In a season marked by power, poise, and postseason stakes, Aaron Judge once again stood tallest, literally and figuratively, capturing his third MVP award in four years and further cementing his place among the game’s all-time greats. The 2025 American League MVP race was a nail-biter, fueled by a compelling narrative: the towering titan of the Bronx versus the rising force behind the plate in Seattle. In the end, it was Judge who claimed the crown, but not without a fight.
A Narrow Victory in a MVP Race for the Ages
Cal Raleigh, the Mariners’ defensive anchor and offensive catalyst, made a legitimate bid, collecting 13 first-place votes to Judge’s 17. It was the kind of close race that forces fans and analysts alike to dig deep into the numbers and intangibles. Raleigh gave the Pacific Northwest a reason to believe, but Judge’s season was simply undeniable.
The Judge didn’t just hit. He dominated. His .331/.457/.688 triple-slash line wasn’t merely impressive; it was historic. Over 679 plate appearances, he smashed 53 home runs, clubbed 30 doubles, and even swiped 12 bases. He led all of Major League Baseball in bWAR with a staggering 10.1, making it clear that his impact extended far beyond the batter’s box.
Defensive Excellence Completes the MVP Case
And yet, it wasn’t just the bat. Judge’s glove told its own story. He saved eight runs in right field, tying for fourth in the American League alongside Tampa Bay’s Josh Lowe. In an era increasingly defined by analytics, Judge continued to check every box—power, patience, defense, leadership.
This third MVP places him in elite company. He becomes only the 13th player in MLB history with three or more MVP trophies, joining legends like Joe DiMaggio, Yogi Berra, and Mickey Mantle as the fourth Yankee to reach that milestone. And alongside fellow 2025 MVP Shohei Ohtani, Judge now belongs to a modern pantheon of excellence.
Yankees’ Offseason Uncertainty Looms
As the Yankees stare down an uncertain offseason, particularly with Cody Bellinger hitting the open market, there’s one thing they don’t need to question: Aaron Judge is their franchise cornerstone. Whether or not they find that elusive “Robin” to his Batman remains to be seen, but one thing is clear. In 2025, Judge didn’t just rise to the moment. He owned it.
