2025 MLB Awards Predictions Part I: American League
AL Rookie of the Year
Prediction: Jackson Jobe (+1000) - Jobe made his debut late in 2024 and helped Detroit in their playoff run. The top prospect is bound to make a big impact this year and has guys like Skubal and Flaherty there to guide him early in his career.
Value Pick: Kumar Rocker (+2000) - Formerly the biggest name in college baseball in recent memory, Rocker dealt with injury and elbow issues when it was time for him to sign with the Mets. After failing physicals and bouncing around indy ball, Rocker was signed by the Rangers and debuted in 2024. There is no doubt the stuff is still there, it can’t hurt to throw a $10 flyer out on Rocker who may emerge as an ace behind DeGrom and Eovaldi
AL Manager of the Year
Prediction: AJ Hinch (+900) - This one’s pretty simple for me. AJ Hinch has proven himself to be one of if not the best manager in baseball, yet he isn’t even a favorite to win this award. The Tigers fit the bill of a team who is only expected to do so much, so any success will reflect directly on the guy pulling the strings.
Value Pick: Joe Espada (+2500) - In his sophomore season, Espada is looking to bring the Astros back to glory. After a super slow start in 2024, they were able to course correct and win the division, only to get bounced in 2 games by the Tigers. After losing Bregman, Tucker and Ryan Pressly all this offseason, the expectations for the Astros have certainly regressed. Look for Espada to get more comfortable in year 2 and keep this team relevant.
AL Cy Young
Prediction: Jacob DeGrom (+1500) - Call me crazy, I think DeGrom gets back to his former self here in 2025. His 2023 elbow injury should be fully healed, and given the appearances he was able to make in the late stages of 2024, we should all hope for the sake of the league that DeGrom hasn’t lost a step. Should he stay healthy, he should have no problem dominating the league over 26-30 starts.
Value Pick: Grayson Rodriguez (+5000) - Let’s discuss. If the Orioles have any hope of being a legitimate contender this year, they are going to need significant contributions from Zach Eflin and Grayson Rodriguez. After a solid 2024 that saw Rodriguez pitch to a 13-4 record and 3.86 ERA that was slightly derailed by injury, I have personally seen enough of the kid to assume he is a legit ace. While he does pitch in the toughest division in baseball, I think this will be the year he really breaks through and pronounces himself as one of the league’s top young arms.
AL MVP
Prediction: Aaron Judge (+300) - This is a boring one unfortunately. It’s become pretty cut and dry, but if healthy Aaron Judge is the best player in baseball. As long as he is on the field for 140 games, he is going to lead the league in homers, RBI’s, OPS, OPS+; I could keep going but you get it. Moving back to RF should be a plus as well, as his defensive metrics in centerfield seemed to be just about average, if not below average. A third MVP on the mantle as well as another 50-homer season may also cement Judge’s case for Cooperstown, as he will move into rare air as far as dominant stretches amongst the league goes.
Value Pick/Longshot: Adley Rutschman (+5000) - I feel strongly about this. Adley Rutschman’s best baseball is ahead of him, as 2024 will prove to be a fluke of a season for him in the big picture. At his best, I think Rutschman is a top 3 hitter in the American League, and if he is catching he is only going to provide more value to that Orioles rotation. I personally believe that the writers will find any excuse to NOT vote for Judge this year, so while there are other heavy favorites to choose from, I would maybe find a few extra bucks and throw them on the Orioles backstop
