In a testament to their phenomenal 2025 seasons, Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh and Philadelphia Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber were crowned the top honorees at the MLB Players Choice Awards, receiving the ultimate recognition from their peers. Raleigh secured both the coveted MLB Player of the Year and American League Outstanding Player titles, while Schwarber outperformed two-way sensation Shohei Ohtani for the National League Outstanding Player award, highlighting a shift in player recognition and monumental individual achievements.
The 2025 Major League Baseball season culminated in a series of peer-voted accolades, with the MLB Players Choice Awards shining a spotlight on some of the game’s most dominant forces. The most anticipated awards, MLB Player of the Year and Outstanding Player in each league, saw Cal Raleigh and Kyle Schwarber rise to the top, reflecting performances that captivated both fans and fellow players alike.
Cal Raleigh’s Historic Season Captures MLB Player of the Year
Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh emerged as the undisputed star of the 2025 season, earning both the overall MLB Player of the Year and American League Outstanding Player awards. This marks a significant moment, with a catcher taking home the highest honor, a rare feat in modern baseball history. Raleigh’s monstrous offensive output was the driving force behind the Mariners’ successful campaign.
Raleigh led all of Major League Baseball with an astounding 60 home runs and paced the American League with 125 RBIs. His leadership and power were instrumental in guiding the Mariners to an AL West division title and within one win of the World Series. Beyond the league-leading numbers, Raleigh etched his name in the record books by setting new benchmarks for most home runs by a catcher, a switch-hitter, and a Seattle Mariner. His incredible year was further recognized when he was also named the Sporting News MLB Player of the Year last week, underscoring the universal acclaim for his performance.
His win in the American League was particularly noteworthy as he bested two-time winner Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees, who had previously claimed the honor in 2024 and 2022. This speaks volumes about the level of dominance Raleigh displayed throughout the season. The Players Choice Awards, initiated in 1992 by the Major League Baseball Players Association, offer a unique perspective on performance, as the winners are selected by the players themselves, often reflecting deep respect for a player’s all-around game and impact on the field.
For more on the history and significance of these player-voted honors, fans can explore the official MLB Players Association Awards page.
Kyle Schwarber Edges Shohei Ohtani for NL Outstanding Player
In the National League, veteran slugger Kyle Schwarber of the Philadelphia Phillies was voted the Outstanding Player, triumphing over Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani. This decision highlights the players’ recognition of Schwarber’s pure offensive prowess in the senior circuit.
Schwarber had a career-defining year, leading the NL with 56 home runs and 132 RBIs. He also set an impressive record by hitting 23 home runs as a lefty off of left-handed pitchers, demonstrating his unique ability to neutralize pitcher advantages. While Ohtani’s overall talent is undeniable, Schwarber’s consistent power and production throughout the season resonated strongly with his peers.
Dominance on the Mound: Skubal and Skenes Honored
The awards also celebrated the pitching elite, with two standout left-handers earning the Outstanding Pitcher titles.
- American League Outstanding Pitcher: Tarik Skubal (Detroit Tigers)
- National League Outstanding Pitcher: Paul Skenes (Pittsburgh Pirates)
Tarik Skubal, the ace left-hander for the Detroit Tigers, secured the American League honor. Skubal’s season was marked by exceptional control and efficiency, culminating in him winning the ERA title in the American League with a stellar 2.21. His remarkable strikeout-to-walk ratio of 241-33 further underscored his command on the mound.
For the National League, Pittsburgh Pirates two-time All-Star Paul Skenes was recognized as the Outstanding Pitcher. Skenes continued his meteoric rise, winning the outright ERA title with an incredible 1.97, marking his second consecutive season with an ERA under 2.00. He dominated hitters, striking out 216 batters in 187 2/3 innings. Reflecting on his achievement, Skenes expressed his gratitude on CBS Morning, stating, “It is pretty darn cool. It’s an honor. Great to be here. Great to have the accolade.”
Beyond the Stats: Nola’s Philanthropy and Other Key Awards
The Players Choice Awards also honor contributions beyond on-field performance, highlighting the character and community spirit within Major League Baseball.
Aaron Nola, a right-handed pitcher and teammate of Kyle Schwarber on the Philadelphia Phillies, was named the 2025 Philanthropist of the Year. This award recognizes community work and “altruistic spirit.” Nola demonstrated his commitment by donating $197,000 to Team Red, White and Blue, contributing $1,000 for each of his 197 strikeouts. Furthermore, he hosts a bowling tournament to raise funds for ALS research, an effort that earned him the Washington, D.C., ALS Association Volunteer Impact Award in 2025.
Other notable honorees from the 2025 Players Choice Awards include:
- Marvin Miller Man of the Year: Brent Suter
- Curt Flood Award: Don Baylor and Scott Sanderson
- American League Outstanding Rookie: Nick Kurtz
- National League Outstanding Rookie: Drake Baldwin
- American League Comeback Player: Jacob deGrom
- National League Comeback Player: Ronald Acuña Jr.
These awards, voted on by active MLB players, provide a unique and respected perspective on the best performances and contributions across the league. The comprehensive list of winners for 2025 showcases a blend of rising stars, consistent veterans, and those making a significant impact off the field, as reported by Field Level Media.
