The Major League Baseball community has spoken, elevating Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh to the prestigious Player of the Year title in the 2025 Players Choice Awards. These annual accolades, voted on by players themselves, celebrate exceptional performance and impactful contributions both on and off the field, spotlighting stars like Kyle Schwarber, Paul Skenes, and Aaron Nola for their outstanding seasons and unwavering dedication.
In a powerful affirmation of peer recognition, the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) announced the winners of its 2025 Players Choice Awards, with Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh earning the coveted Player of the Year title. The awards, a cherished tradition dating back to 1992, distinguish players for their remarkable achievements on the diamond and significant contributions to their communities, as exclusively revealed on CBS News on October 29, 2025.
“The Big Dumper” Leads the Pack: Raleigh’s Unanimous Acclaim
Cal Raleigh, affectionately known to fans and teammates as “The Big Dumper,” not only secured the Player of the Year honor but was also voted the American League Outstanding Player. His dual recognition underscores a standout season that clearly resonated deeply with his fellow major leaguers. Raleigh’s impactful play behind the plate and at the plate cemented his status as a pivotal force for the Mariners.
Across the league, the National League Outstanding Player award went to Philadelphia Phillies left fielder Kyle Schwarber. Schwarber’s 2025 campaign was nothing short of historic, highlighted by an astonishing 56 regular-season home runs and a league-best 132 RBI. He played in all 162 games and even earned MVP honors at the All-Star Game after an impressive three-for-three performance in the extra-inning swing-off. His power surge narrowly edged out likely NL MVP Shohei Ohtani in home runs, though the Phillies ultimately fell to Ohtani’s Dodgers in the NLDS. While Schwarber’s offensive prowess was undeniable, his peer recognition for outstanding player status offers a significant counterpoint to broader MVP discussions.
Pitching Prowess: Skubal and Skenes Take the Mound
The awards also celebrated baseball’s elite power pitchers. Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal was recognized as the American League Outstanding Pitcher, an award reserved for the pitcher demonstrating the best on-field performance in his league. Skubal’s dominant season solidified his position as one of the game’s premier hurlers, a critical component of the Tigers’ success.
For the National League, Pittsburgh Pirates two-time All-Star Paul Skenes claimed the Outstanding Pitcher award. Speaking on CBS Mornings, Skenes expressed his gratitude, stating, “It is pretty darn cool. It’s an honor. Great to be here. Great to have the accolade.” His commitment to improvement is evident in his off-season regimen, where he meticulously analyzes data and analytics to refine his game and maintain a low earned run average (ERA).
Skenes articulated his philosophy on pitching, emphasizing preparation and execution: “With nobody watching, with millions of people watching: It’s the same game. We’re on an island out there. We’re just throwing pitches and all that by ourselves. You know, we’ve got seven people behind us to field the balls. Just comes down to executing the pitch.” This mindset highlights the mental fortitude required at the highest level of the game, offering a glimpse into the pressures and focus of a top-tier pitcher.
Beyond the Lines: Philanthropy, Leadership, and Legacy
The Players Choice Awards extend their recognition beyond statistical excellence to honor the profound impact players have off the field. The Marvin Miller Man of the Year award, celebrating leadership and community spirit, was bestowed upon Cincinnati Reds pitcher Brent Suter. This award, named after the legendary former MLBPA executive director, recognizes players who inspire others through their commitment to the union and their community.
Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Aaron Nola received the Philanthropist of the Year award, a testament to his extensive charitable efforts. Despite a challenging 2025 season on the mound, Nola’s dedication to giving back shone brightly. He successfully raised $225,000 for Team Red, White, and Blue through a charity poker tournament he hosted at Citizens Bank Park. Throughout his eleven years in Philadelphia, Nola has been a consistent advocate for ALS research and a strong supporter of Philabundance, embodying the spirit of community service. As Nola put it, “We’re human beings longer than we are baseball players, so I think it’s very important for us to use our platform.” His words resonate deeply within the player community, highlighting the responsibility that comes with their platform.
The prestigious Curt Flood Award, which recognizes players who demonstrate a selfless commitment to fairness and social justice, was jointly awarded to baseball legends Don Baylor and Scott Sanderson, honoring their lasting contributions to the game and its players. This award symbolizes the ongoing fight for player rights and the integrity of the sport.
Rising Stars and Resurgent Veterans
The awards also celebrated the fresh talent making their mark and the seasoned veterans who overcame adversity to return to peak form:
- American League Outstanding Rookie: Nick Kurtz (Oakland Athletics)
- National League Outstanding Rookie: Drake Baldwin (Atlanta Braves)
- American League Comeback Player: Jacob deGrom (Texas Rangers)
- National League Comeback Player: Ronald Acuña Jr. (Atlanta Braves)
These awards highlight the continuous cycle of talent development and resilience that defines Major League Baseball, showcasing players who quickly adapted to the big leagues and those who battled back from significant challenges, earning the respect of their peers through sheer determination.
The True Weight of Peer Recognition
The Players Choice Awards hold a special significance because they are voted on by the players themselves, a unique aspect that distinguishes them from media- or league-voted honors. This peer-driven recognition often reflects a deeper understanding of a player’s true value, leadership qualities, and impact within the clubhouse and on the field, echoing the sentiments expressed by players like Paul Skenes and Aaron Nola. For a full list of all 2025 Players Choice Awards winners, including details on each recipient, you can visit the MLB Players Association’s official site.
