The MLB All-Star Game has come and gone, which means we can shift our focus to the second half and the always intriguing awards markets.
We’ve got big favorites for MVP with Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani, while both Cy Youngs look like two-horse races.
Check out my midseason MLB picks and predictions for AL and NL MVP, Cy Young, and Rookie of the Year.
2025 Midseason MLB Awards picks
AL & NL MVP picks
AL favorite: 
Aaron Judge (-600 at bet365)
AL pick: Judge
There will be a lot of clamoring for Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh here. The thing is, Aaron Judge is doing everything Raleigh is doing, only better. And I’d argue with less support.
Even with his mini-slump before the All-Star break, here are some of the categories Judge leads not just the AL, but the majors in: WAR, batting average, OPS, hits, total bases, and — maybe my favorite stat — he has been intentionally walked twice as much as the next closest big leaguer.
He is the most dangerous hitter in baseball, having a historic season. Don’t overthink this.
NL favorite: 
Shohei Ohtani (-1000 at bet365)
NL pick: Ohtani
Talk about not overthinking things. Shohei Ohtani may not be having his most dominant season in recent years, but he’s still crushing baseballs. He leads the NL in OPS, home runs, and runs scored.
But Ohtani is such a massive favorite because he has made his long-awaited return to the mound. Just one earned run and 10 strikeouts while averaging 98 miles per hour with his fastball in his first nine innings. Simply put, he is the best player in the world on the best team in baseball.
AL & NL Cy Young picks
AL favorite: 
Tarik Skubal (-190 at bet365)
AL pick: 
Garrett Crochet (+250 at bet365)
This is one of the few MLB award markets that still has some value in it. Tarik Skubal is the reigning AL Cy Young winner, and he is even better this season, so he’s a deserving favorite at this point. But, Garrett Crochet is hot on his heels.
Crochet has shone as the Boston Red Sox ace. They are neck-and-neck in so many categories, including ERA and strikeouts. It could take just a bad start or two from Skubal for Crochet to leapfrog him in the odds, particularly now that Boston is back in contention, so I’ll take the plus-money value.
NL favorite: 
Zack Wheeler (-125 at bet365)
NL pick: Wheeler
My first thought was to take Paul Skenes at even money. For my money, Skenes is the best pitcher in baseball, but there were a few other factors to consider.
For starters, Zack Wheeler has the edge in strikeouts, and like or not, that continues to be a big factor in Cy Young voting.
Second, don’t be surprised if the last-place Pittsburgh Pirates pull the throttle back on Skenes in the second half and reduce his innings to save his arm. Meanwhile, Wheeler is in the middle of a pennant race and should be throwing deep into games all season long.
AL & NL Rookie of the Year picks
AL favorite: 
Jacob Wilson (+110 at bet365)
AL pick: Jasson Dominguez (+3000 at bet365)
Let’s ride with one long shot in this article.
Jasson Dominguez was one of the top prospects in baseball and the pride of the New York Yankees' farm system. Unfortunately, he got off to a slow start, and some questioned whether or not hed live up to those vaunted expectations.
However, he’s improved his batting average every month, and the Yanks may have unlocked the next level of his potential.
Dominguez has hit leadoff in seven of the last 11 games. Over that span, he’s hitting .348 with a .953 OPS. Hitting in front of Judge means he's getting plenty of pitches to hit, and he could be in for a big second half.
NL favorite: 
Jacob Misiorowski (-210 at bet365)
NL pick: Misiorowski
Back to the chalk here. Jacob Misiorowski’s selection to the All-Star Game may have been questionable, but there is no doubt the guy has a live arm.
Misiorowski has been electric in his first five starts with the Brewers, striking out 33 batters in 23 2/3 innings thanks to a fastball that averages a ridiculous 99.3 miles per hour. There is not as much competition in the NL rookie race, so if the young fireballer can keep up this hot start, he will cruise to this award.
