Baseball's Finest: The Top 5 Contenders for American League MVP in 2025

Each year, Major League Baseball picks a Most Valuable Player in both the American and National League. In the American League, we’ve highlighted five incredible players. Big-hitting Aaron Judge leads the pack, with speedy Bobby Witt Jr. close behind. Yordan Alvarez’s power, Gunnar Henderson’s rising talent, and José Ramírez’s all-around skills round out the top five. These players are ready to shine in 2025, let’s see what makes them special.

1. Aaron Judge, OF, New York Yankees

2024 Stats: .312 AVG, 58 HR, 144 RBI, .428 OBP, 1.159 OPS

Aaron Judge is like a giant on the baseball field at 6'7", and when he steps up to bat, pitchers know they’re in trouble. He’s already hit a 496-foot home run, can he hit one 500 feet this year? Judge’s power is incredible, but he’s more than just a big hitter. He runs the bases smartly, makes tough catches in the outfield, and throws the ball with amazing strength. He was the best player last year, but can he be the best again? We'll have to watch and see if he can keep hitting the ball like it's headed to the moon.

2. Bobby Witt Jr., SS, Kansas City Royals

2024 Stats: .332 AVG, 32 HR, 109 RBI, 31 SB, .389 OBP

Bobby Witt Jr. is only 24 years old, but he's already a baseball superstar. He's what scouts call a "five-tool player," which means he can do everything on a baseball field at a high level. When you watch Bobby Witt Jr. play, it's like watching someone who got all the baseball superpowers at once. He can hit for a high average, hit the ball far, run super fast, throw rockets from shortstop, and catch almost anything hit near him. Last season, Witt joined the special "30-30 club" by hitting more than 30 home runs and stealing more than 30 bases. No wonder he's #2 in the MVP rankings.

3. Gunnar Henderson, SS, Baltimore Orioles

2024 Stats: .281 AVG, 37 HR, 92 RBI, 21 SB, .364 OBP

Gunnar Henderson is just 23 years old, but he's zooming up the baseball ranks like a rocket. Just a couple years ago, he was in the minor leagues, and now he's one of the best players in the American League. After winning Rookie of the Year, he didn't slow down one bit. Instead, he nearly hit 40 home runs the next season. His swing is so smooth that baseball experts call it "picture-perfect." What's scary for opponents is that Henderson is still young and learning, imagine how good he'll be in a few years.

##4. Yordan Alvarez, OF, Houston Astros 2024 Stats: .308 AVG, 35 HR, 86 RBI, .392 OBP, .959 OPS

Yordan Alvarez hits baseballs harder than almost anyone. When he connects, the ball rockets off his bat like a cannon shot. He's hit over 30 home runs four years straight and aims for a fifth. While other players have ups and downs, Alvarez stays consistent. He's not just powerful, he's smart too. He studies pitchers like he's preparing for a test, learning their tricks and avoiding bad pitches. Though he's not the fastest runner, it doesn't matter when you're jogging after another home run.

##5. José Ramírez, 3B, Cleveland Guardians 2024 Stats: .279 AVG, 39 HR, 118 RBI, 41 SB, .335 OBP

Jose Ramirez proves that you don't have to be the biggest player to make a huge impact. At 5'9", he's one of the shorter stars in baseball, but his skills are enormous. Ramirez is a switch-hitter, which means he can bat both right-handed and left-handed depending on who's pitching, a rare and super valuable talent. Last season, he hit 39 home runs and stole more than 40 bases, missing by just one homer from joining the special 40-40 club that only four players in history have ever reached. Ramírez might not have the flash of some other players, but his all-around game makes him one of the most valuable players in baseball.