With just two months left until the prestigious MLB awards season culminates in the announcement of highly coveted honors like the Most Valuable Player and Cy Young Awards, it’s time for a fresh perspective on accolades in Major League Baseball. The Passan Awards aim to broaden the scope of recognition beyond conventional winners, celebrating unique performances and quirky achievements throughout the 2025 season.
### Badonkadonk of the Year: Cal Raleigh
Leading the way, Cal Raleigh of the Seattle Mariners has earned the title of “Badonkadonk of the Year.” Known colloquially as the “Big Dumper” for his impressive physique, Raleigh not only stands out for his anatomy but also for his outstanding contributions on the field. Entering the season as a highly regarded catcher with a Platinum Glove, Raleigh has ascended to elite status, keeping pace with MVP contenders Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani.
What makes Raleigh’s season remarkable is that he has consistently played at a position where daily appearances are rare, managing to stay healthy with only three games missed. His dual threat as a switch-hitter, potent offensively, showcases his prowess, which supports his claim for MVP—not just for individual stats, but his vital role in leading the Mariners toward their first AL West title since 2001.
### King of the Sluggers: Kyle Schwarber
Philadelphia Phillies’ Kyle Schwarber has solidified his title as “King of the Sluggers” for his striking offensive contributions this season. With consistent high-powered performances including leading the National League in both home runs and walks, Schwarber has been pivotal for his team, especially in the wake of injuries to key players like Zack Wheeler and Trea Turner.
Despite a batting average that may not reflect his overall talent, Schwarber’s high strikeout rate is complemented by explosive moments, like his standout showings at the Home Run Derby. His power hitting has kept the Phillies competitive and ensured his impact will be felt in the postseason.
### Base Thief of the Year: Juan Soto
In a surprising turn, Juan Soto has emerged as the “Base Thief of the Year.” Known mainly for his hitting prowess, Soto has taken the league by storm, leading MLB in stolen bases during the second half of the season—an unforeseen yet impressive feat for the slugger, who previously focused on his batting. Soto has escalated his stolen base count to 35, nearly three times his prior record.
This transformation not only highlights Soto’s adaptability but also taps into the evolving nature of base stealing in baseball—which now relies on acumen alongside speed. Soto’s season serves as an example of how players can redefine their game amidst new rules that have altered the approach to stealing bases.
### Best Player You Still Don’t Know: Geraldo Perdomo
Arizona Diamondbacks’ Geraldo Perdomo has earned the title of best player most fans may not recognize. At just 25 years old, Perdomo has put up numbers that rival larger stars in the league. His stats in batting average, on-base percentage, and other key performance indicators place him in elite company, yet he remains underappreciated compared to more aggressive bats like Aaron Judge or Kyle Schwarber.
Playing a critical defensive position at shortstop, Perdomo not only delivers offensively but does so consistently, solidifying his case for outstanding player recognition. His remarkable stats reflect an essential contribution to the Diamondbacks, carving his niche in a crowded field of star talent.
### Individual Performance of the Year: Nick Kurtz
Claiming the title for individual performance of the year is A’s rookie first baseman Nick Kurtz. Kurtz’s game on July 25 against the Houston Astros was nothing short of historic. Scoring six runs, hitting four homers, and achieving 19 total bases, he turned in a performance that only a select few have matched in MLB history.
Despite the difficulties that come with being a rookie, Kurtz has quickly made a name for himself, setting up a likely Rookie of the Year honor and placing him in discussions for the MVP ballots. His unprecedented game underscores the shifting landscape of talent entering the league.
### Evolution of Pitching: The Slider by J. Misiorowski
Pitcher J. Misiorowski has redefined the art of pitching with his astonishingly high-velocity slider, capturing the attention of fans and experts alike. As one of the youngest pitchers making waves in MLB, Misiorowski’s skills have led to extraordinary performances that showcase a new era of pitching dominated by power and precision.
His ability to combine tremendous speed with a distinct pitch shape has proven to be effective, leaving hitters baffled. This evolution represents not merely a personal achievement but a pivotal moment in the adaptation and advancement of pitching mechanics in the major leagues.
### The Year of the Calamitous Collapse: New York Mets
Earning the dubious honor of the most staggering team collapse this season, the New York Mets went from leading their division to falling behind in the wild card race with an abysmal second half of the season. Starting strong with notable early victories, the Mets faced a swift decline, leaving them struggling at the bottom of the standings.
The collapse underlines the volatility found in sports, serving as a reminder that early success doesn’t guarantee year-long performance. The Mets’ costly missteps could lead to a complete overhaul in strategy and roster for next season.
### Technology and Trends: The Torpedo Bat Evolution
The introduction of the torpedo bat marked a significant yet fleeting trend in MLB this season. Initially embraced by teams—particularly the Yankees—after an early surge of home runs, the torpedo bat’s appeal waned as some players reverted back to traditional models that suited their batting styles.
The torpedo bat phenomenon illustrates the constant innovations within the sport, portraying a culture willing to experiment in pursuit of performance improvements. Even if it didn’t stick as expected, the bat’s introduction reflects baseball’s willingness to adapt and evolve.
### Looking Ahead
As we approach the end of the 2025 season and the onset of postseason baseball, the 2023 awards by Jeff Passan cleverly overlooked the traditional metrics to shine a light on the fascinating dimensions of the game. Celebrating performances often disregarded helps bring fans closer to the intricacies that make baseball a unique sport.
From astonishing individual feats to fascinating trends, the 2025 MLB season certainly had its share of surprises—reminding us that, in this timeless game, anything can happen. With eyes turned toward the postseason, fans eagerly await new narratives waiting to unfold and the potential for even more unexpected achievements.
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