The 2025 Major League Baseball season is reaching its most exciting point, and the race for the American League MVP is no exception. Although Aaron Judge, star and captain of the New York Yankees, has once again shown an impressive level, it is not easy.
Two players are pushing hard in the race for the award, and they are doing so with numbers that are already close to historical records, which could put Judge’s candidacy at risk
The narrative that seemed to be written for the New Yorker to add another trophy to his showcase has become complicated. Below, we tell you what the two records are at stake, who is breaking them and why they should worry Judge and all Yankees fans
Aaron Judge and his 2025 season
The Yankees right fielder has maintained a statistical line that places him among the best hitters of the year. With more than 35 home runs and an OPS over 1.000, his season has been dominant. In addition, his leadership on the field is undeniable, carrying much of the offensive weight of the team.
However, in the voting for Most Valuable Player, it is not only individual numbers that count, historical impact and media momentum also matter. And this is where two contenders are stealing the spotlight.
Record 1: Bobby Witt Jr. and his 30 – 60 season
The Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. is having one of the most complete seasons in recent MLB history. At just 24 years old, Witt not only leads his team in hits and RBIs, but is on track to record a 30-homer, 60-stolen base season, a feat no one has ever accomplished.
- Why does he pose a threat to Judge?: This type of season speaks of versatility, aggressiveness and physical dominance. While Judge impresses with his power, Witt Jr. offers an explosive combo of speed and strength, something that voters especially value. If he achieves that 30-60, it would not be unusual for journalists to reward him for making history.
Record 2: Juan Soto and the highest OBP in more than a decade
Although Aaron Judge shares a team with Juan Soto on the Yankees, the Dominican is also his biggest internal competition. Soto has maintained brutal consistency in the batter’s box, with an on-base percentage (OBP) close to .470, the highest since the best years of Barry Bonds.
In addition, his discipline at the plate has been spectacular: he leads the league in walks, has more walks than strikeouts and has been directly involved in 45% of the runs scored by the Yankees in the first half of the season.
- Can Soto snatch MVP from his teammate?: Although he does not have the same power numbers as Judge, his consistency and efficiency are worthy of an MVP. And if the Yankees finish first in their division, it would be hard to ignore what the Dominican has done to make that happen.
Analysts on MLB MVP
- Several experts have pointed out that the race for the American League MVP is more open than ever. According to Baseball Reference, Bobby Witt Jr.’s WAR (Wins Above Replacement) is slightly higher than Judge’s to date, which supports his candidacy from an advanced statistical standpoint.
- On programs such as MLB Network, analysts such as Harold Reynolds and Greg Amsinger have praised Soto’s“aggressive calmness”, noting that he is the “most cerebral and consistent hitter in all of MLB”.
Key points for Aaron Judge to secure MVP
Aaron Judge does not need to reinvent himself, but he does need to maintain his level and finish strong. Some factors that can help him secure the award:
- Hit 50 home runs.
- Lead the league in slugging and OPS.
- To be the emotional and productive leader on a team that qualifies for the playoffs as the top seed in the American League.
The race for the MLB MVP 2025 is heating up. Aaron Judge has the name, the fan backing and a solid season, but the records being reached by Bobby Witt Jr. and Juan Soto are putting him in check.
It is no longer enough to have a good season, now you have to break the mold, and that is exactly what their rivals are doing. It will be a battle that will be defined in the last games of the calendar, and promises to leave us one of the most exciting finishes in years.
If he succeeds, he will have enough arguments to stop the advance of his rivals.
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