2025 Midseason MLB Awards: Fan Picks for MVPs, Rookies, and Cy Young Winners

The excitement of the Major League Baseball (MLB) season is at an all-time high as fans eagerly follow their favorite teams and players. As we hit the midseason mark of 2025, it’s time to reflect on the standout performances that have defined this year’s campaign so far. The MLB Midseason Awards are a crucial melting pot of statistics, memorable moments, and fans’ heartfelt opinions, all coming together to celebrate the achievements of exceptional players. Here, we delve into the top candidates for the most coveted awards, from Most Valuable Player (MVP) to Rookie of the Year, and the prestigious Cy Young Award.

Most Valuable Player (MVP) Candidates

The MVP award is often regarded as the most prestigious individual accolade in the sport, recognizing a player whose performance significantly impacts their team’s success. In 2025, several players have emerged as frontrunners. Based on fan votes and statistical analysis, here are the leading candidates:

1. Shohei Ohtani – Los Angeles Angels

There’s no player quite like Shohei Ohtani. The Japanese superstar continues to defy the conventional boundaries of baseball as a dominant two-way player. In 2025, Ohtani has excelled both at the plate and on the mound. At the midseason mark, he boasts a batting average hovering around .300 with impressive power numbers, including over 20 home runs. On the pitching side, he has maintained an excellent earned run average (ERA) and striking out batters at an elite rate. Fans argue that Ohtani not only delivers in key moments, but his mere presence raises the performance of his team, making him an invaluable asset.

2. Fernando Tatis Jr. – San Diego Padres

Fernando Tatis Jr. continues to be a fan favorite with his electrifying style of play. His charisma and explosive offensive performance have contributed significantly to the Padres’ successes. With a batting average around .315 and an astronomical on-base-plus-slugging percentage, Tatis has made waves across the league, showcasing his ability to hit for both power and average. His speed on the base paths enhances his overall value, making him an essential consideration for MVP recognition.

3. Ronald Acuña Jr. – Atlanta Braves

Ronald Acuña Jr. has remained a consistent factor in the success of the Atlanta Braves. Demonstrating a rare blend of speed and power, Acuña leads the league in stolen bases while remaining a formidable home run threat. Indicators of his importance to the Braves are clear; his ability to change a game with his legs or bat puts him at the forefront of the MVP conversation. Many fans believe this could be a breakout year for Acuña, solidifying his place in the league’s elite, should he maintain this level of performance.

Rookie of the Year Candidates

New talent keeps the spirit of baseball alive, and 2025 has been no exception. Every season, rookies enter the league with immense potential, and a select few have stood out in their inaugural campaigns:

1. Jackson Cheer – San Francisco Giants

Jackson Cheer has taken the league by storm with his impressive debut season. As the Giants’ starting pitcher, he has displayed poise and maturity beyond his years. Featuring an explosive fastball paired with a sharp curve, Cheer has consistently produced strong outings, becoming a critical part of the rotation. His ability to perform under pressure and his strikeout capabilities make him a top contender for Rookie of the Year honors.

2. Clara Hampton – Miami Marlins

Clara Hampton is making rapid strides as one of the few female players in the league. Her impact on the Miami Marlins has become undeniable; beyond statistics, she has brought a unique spirit and resilience to the team. With utility versatility, Hampton is not only making her presence known at the plate but also contributing defensively. Her journey and statistics combine into a powerful narrative that captivates baseball fans and critics alike.

3. David Ramirez – Chicago Cubs

A standout in college baseball, David Ramirez has quickly become a vital piece of the Cubs’ lineup. His maturity and on-field awareness have allowed him to adapt seamlessly to the major leagues. His offensive statistics speak volumes, with a batting average climbing toward .290 and an ability to drive in runs consistently. Fans are rooting for Ramirez as he establishes himself among the league’s future stars.

Cy Young Award Candidates

The Cy Young Award is one of the most respected honors for pitchers, celebrating those who consistently dominate on the mound. The 2025 race is heating up, and fans have weighed in on their favorite candidates:

1. Jacob deGrom – Texas Rangers

Jacob deGrom remains a formidable presence in MLB’s pitching landscape. With his exceptional fastball and precise command, he has racked up an impressive strikeout tally this season while maintaining a commendable ERA. His ability to pitch deep into games, often keeping opponents off balance, makes him a perennial candidate for the Cy Young Award.

2. Gerrit Cole – New York Yankees

Gerrit Cole continues to solidify his reputation as one of the best sluggers in the game. This season, he has shown dominant displays of pitching prowess, leading the league in both strikeouts and wins. His mix of pitches, especially the slider and curveball, has been nearly unhittable at times, showcasing why fans overwhelmingly support him as a leading candidate for the Cy Young Award.

3. Sandy Alcantara – Miami Marlins

Making his mark in the pitching department, Sandy Alcantara has maintained his performance level while consistently flying under the radar. Alcantara has been instrumental in keeping the Marlins competitive, flaunting a low ERA and enduring many critical innings this season. With a competitive spirit and relentless work ethic, he has become a fan favorite, earning recognition in the Cy Young conversations.

Fan Engagement and Voting Impact

Fan engagement plays a pivotal role in shaping the narrative of awards throughout the MLB season. With social media platforms allowing instant communication, fans now have a direct way to voice their opinions on players, elevating the significance of their votes. More than just a metric of popularity, the fan votes highlight the players’ impact on the game, particularly for awards determined by public sentiment.

As the All-Star break approaches, the influence of fans cannot be understated. Players’ performances will continue to be scrutinized under the magnifying glass of public opinion, creating an electrifying atmosphere leading up to the final selections in each award category. The collaboration between statistics-driven analysis and fans’ perceptions encapsulates what makes MLB an integral part of American culture.

Conclusion

As the 2025 MLB season progresses, narratives are still being written, and players are continually stepping up to the challenge. The midseason awards serve as a reflection of the season’s highs and lows while acknowledging individual achievements that define fans’ loyalties. Whether it’s the towering home runs, remarkable pitching performances, or moments of sheer joy on the field, it’s clear that the heartbeat of baseball lies within its players and devoted fans. Each vote and each performance contributes to the legacy of the game—making it an ever-evolving tapestry of athletic excellence.

Summary

• The MLB Midseason Awards spotlight key performers from the first half of the 2025 season.
• Shohei Ohtani, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Ronald Acuña Jr. are leading MVP candidates.
• Rookies Jackson Cheer, Clara Hampton, and David Ramirez have emerged as strong contenders for Rookie of the Year.
• Jacob deGrom, Gerrit Cole, and Sandy Alcantara are in the running for the Cy Young Award.
• Fan engagement has become crucial in shaping award nominations and outcomes, reflecting the broader impact of public opinion.