In a landmark moment for Major League Baseball, Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge have become the first two players to win League Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards in consecutive seasons — and in the process rewrite the records book.
Ohtani’s Dominance
Ohtani, with the Los Angeles Dodgers, secured the National League MVP for 2025, marking his third straight MVP and his fourth overall. He received all first-place votes, becoming only the second player in MLB history to win four MVPs (after Barry Bonds) and the first to win back-to-back MVPs by unanimous vote.
This season, Ohtani mashed 55 home runs, led the NL in runs scored (146), slugging percentage (.622) and OPS (1.014) over 158 games. He returned to the mound and posted a 2.87 ERA in 14 starts, illustrating his unique two-way ability.
Judge’s Breakthrough
Aaron Judge, outfielder for the New York Yankees, claimed the American League MVP for 2025 — his third MVP award. He edged close contender Cal Raleigh by securing 17 of 30 first-place votes, finishing with 355 points to Raleigh’s 335.
Judge led MLB in batting average (.331), on-base percentage (.457) and slugging (.688). His return to peak form re-established him among the premier hitters in the game.
Why This Moment Matters
- Historical first: While MVP back-to-back winners have happened individually, this is the first time two players from both leagues secured the award in back-to-back seasons.
- Elevated standards: Ohtani’s prowess both at bat and on the mound is unprecedented in modern baseball. Judge’s offensive resurgence and elite numbers reinforce his status as an all-time great.
- Changing narratives: Their achievements signal a shift in MLB’s star hierarchy — across leagues, the conversation now centers on power, versatility and consistency at the top tier.
What to Watch Next
- Ohtani may set his sights on matching or surpassing Bonds’ seven MVPs if his dominance continues.
- Judge’s form poses the question: can he pivot from personal accolades to team success and a Yankees championship?
- Their careers now create new benchmarks: who will become the next two-way player like Ohtani? Will Judge’s category-leading performance become a recurring standard?
For now, Ohtani and Judge headline baseball’s modern era — each in his own league, each defining excellence. Their back-to-back MVPs not only capture individual greatness, but serve as a powerful moment of recognition for what baseball’s elite can achieve.
