2025 MLB Awards Predictions Part II: National League
Rookie of the Year
Prediction: Dylan Crews (+380) - Crews made his anticipated debut last year, where he made immediate impact on the young Washington Nationals. Crews provides a 5-tool presence for the Nats to build around going forward, as we all came to appreciate the talent Crews has in the 2023 College World Series. With the opportunity to be the starting Center Fielder for Washington on opening day, I believe the tools alone provide enough reason to lean into taking Crews as your NL ROY.
Value Pick: Jordan Lawlar (+1200) - Jordan Lawlar, for those who are not familiar with him, is a top prospect in the DBacks system. Lawlar made his MLB debut back in 2023, however it was short lived after a brief 14 games showed him struggle to catch up with the speed of the big-league game. Lawlar, who is not necessarily even going to get the nod for the DBacks, is a solid longshot for this award as a May callup is imminent, and if the DBacks make the noise they are expecting to, Lawlar will be a big piece of their success.
Manager of the Year
Prediction: Dave Roberts (+700) - Yeah yeah yeah, you hate this pick. Well, considering the Dodgers are probably going to win somewhere in the ballpark of 110 games, there is not a question the Dave Roberts is a finalist for this award. Regardless of the roster, winning at almost a 70% clip is absolutely unheard of in baseball. Couple that with how this team is likely going to implement the first ever 6-man rotation for a full season, the baseball writers will look for every reason to get Roberts this award.
Value Pick: Carlos Mendoza (+1400) - Carlos Mendoza was able to prove that being a first-year manager does not mean you cannot make a postseason run. With a team that was about as dead as dead can be, he managed to steady the ship and lead the Mets to a run into the NLCS. While the Mets do have some question marks throughout the roster, I think it presents a great opportunity for Mendy to really show his value when navigating a shallow rotation and spotty bullpen. These odds are also crazy long, you should heavily consider $10-20 on this.
Cy Young
Prediction: Zack Wheeler (+800) - I know the easy pick here is Skenes, but I’m not putting money on +200 futures odds. Wheeler is in the midst of being the most dominant and consistent pitcher in baseball for about half a decade and is seemingly overlooked by baseball fans. The timing is only right for him to obtain the hardware to show for it. Bookmark this one, I think this is my best pick of the year.
Value Pick: Hunter Greene (+2500) - You may be thinking that is too much of a value pick, and you may be right. Hunter Greene has stuff that can match up right next to Paul Skenes. His health and control have been his biggest issues early in his career. As he enters his ‘prime’ years, I do believe 2025 is the year that Greene goes from respected ace of the Cincinnati Reds to a top 5 starting pitcher in baseball.
MVP
Prediction: Shohei Ohtani (+160) - If you were looking for a sexy pick, you came to the wrong place. If Ohtani is healthy, he is more likely than not going to win this award unanimously. Let’s just assume - 40 Homers, 100 RBI, 25SB, 175 strikeouts on the mound, 10 wins, and a WAR pushing 12. This is a pick I consider free money, even if the odds aren’t anything to get excited about.
Value Pick: Elly De La Cruz (+2200) - Since I’m so sure about the Ohtani pick, I am going to resort to the sexiest pick for the value side of this award. Elly has the potential to hit 35 homers, steal 75 bags, and absolutely ‘wow’ you with his glove. I do expect the Reds to be in the mix come September, and there is no question who will be steering the ship.
