Morning Scoop
The Major League Baseball Players Association announced the 2025 Players Choice Award winners on CBS Mornings — yes, the players themselves picked the night’s heroes. Expect ego, appreciation, and a little bit of clubhouse chaos. The big headline: Seattle’s catcher Cal Raleigh took home the Player of the Year title (and apparently doubles as the team’s human highlight reel).
Standouts You Should Know
Cal Raleigh dominated the American League honors, snagging both Player of the Year and AL Outstanding Player. Over in the National League, power hitter Kyle Schwarber earned the NL Outstanding Player nod. If you enjoy homers and big swings, both names should be familiar.
Pitchers Who Made Everyone Nod
On the mound, Detroit’s Tarik Skubal was voted the American League’s top pitcher — the guy who kept hitters guessing and scoreboards blinking. In the National League, rookie flame-thrower Paul Skenes earned the outstanding pitcher award. He called the recognition “pretty darn cool” and said that all the offseason tinkering with data and models helps him fine-tune his craft.
Skenes also joked that whether there are zero fans or a sold-out stadium, the job is the same: you’re on an island, you throw the ball, and the rest either happens or doesn’t. Translation: pressure is just another teammate.
The Full List (Because You Wanted It)
Player of the Year: Cal Raleigh
American League Outstanding Player: Cal Raleigh
National League Outstanding Player: Kyle Schwarber
American League Outstanding Pitcher: Tarik Skubal
National League Outstanding Pitcher: Paul Skenes
Marvin Miller Man of the Year: Brent Suter
Philanthropist of the Year: Aaron Nola
Curt Flood Award: Don Baylor and Scott Sanderson
American League Outstanding Rookie: Nick Kurtz
National League Outstanding Rookie: Drake Baldwin
American League Comeback Player: Jacob deGrom
National League Comeback Player: Ronald Acuña Jr.
Parting Thoughts
Players voting for players is always a good look — less red carpet, more respect from the people who actually suit up. Congrats to the winners. Now go argue about the ballot over hot dogs and nachos like true baseball citizens.
