The National Baseball Hall of Fame could welcome new members this weekend, when the results of th...

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Breaking down the 2026 contemporary era HOF ballot

Reigning two-time AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal is set to enter his final season under team con...

<p>Reigning two-time AL Cy Young winner <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/11799" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/11799">Tarik Skubal</a> is set to enter his final season under team control before reaching free agency. The Detroit Tigers have said they would love to sign the left-hander long term, but there's reportedly a significant gap between the two sides. Skubal is expected to set the new record for a pitcher when he signs his next deal. With the clock ticking on Skubal's free agency, our editors Simon Sharkey-Gotlieb and Brandon Wile debate whether the Tigers should trade their ace this winter.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805118/cropped_GettyImages-2240351607.jpg?ts=1760148033" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805118/w220xh124_GettyImages-2240351607.jpg?ts=1760148033 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805118/w320xh180_GettyImages-2240351607.jpg?ts=1760148033 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805118/w640xh360_GettyImages-2240351607.jpg?ts=1760148033 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805118/w768xh432_GettyImages-2240351607.jpg?ts=1760148033 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805118/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2240351607.jpg?ts=1760148033 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Alika Jenner / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>No: </strong>Why are we even having this conversation? The very thought of trading the AL's best pitcher at the peak of his powers would be silly for any team, but especially for Detroit.</p><p>The Tigers recently emerged from a decade-long rebuild that netted the franchise a pair of first overall picks. The players they chose with those picks, Casey Mize and Spencer Torkelson, turned into solid contributors. Yet it's Skubal, an unheralded ninth-round selection out of Seattle University in 2018, who's become the homegrown face of the franchise.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Skubal's two Cy Young Awards over the last two seasons don't begin to tell the story. The 28-year-old has transformed Detroit back into a baseball town, leading the Tigers to consecutive playoff berths. The team hasn't advanced beyond the division series, but Skubal's performed brilliantly on the biggest stage, putting up a 2.04 ERA over his six postseason starts.</p><p>So why would you give up a guy like this? Even if the Tigers traded Skubal for a king's ransom that kept them in contention, the mere act of dealing him away would send a terrible message to the players left behind, the fan base, and even star manager A.J. Hinch. It would be unfathomable, and it would take the Tigers out of the running for any big-name free agents.</p><p>And it's not like the Tigers can't afford to re-sign Skubal, even though they <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3373174" href="https://thescore.com/news/3373174">reportedly</a> lowballed him last winter. Detroit routinely fielded top-five payrolls in the 2010s when the team's star-studded rosters were regularly in the postseason. Though Max Scherzer walked away, the Tigers spent big at the time to ensure that Justin Verlander and Miguel Cabrera stayed in town and even landed Prince Fielder on a nine-year deal in 2012. Owner Chris Ilitch can meet Skubal's price if he wants to.</p><p>The Tigers are a historic franchise with a track record of spending and a talented roster that plays in a very winnable division. Keeping Skubal would ensure a franchise icon stays put, help them potentially own the AL Central for the next half-decade, and send a message to other free agents that they're ready and able to spend on a winner. This is a no-brainer. Skubal should be wearing the Olde English D for as long as possible. <em>- Sharkey-Gotlieb</em></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805419/cropped_GettyImages-2208190892.jpg?ts=1760373309" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805419/w220xh124_GettyImages-2208190892.jpg?ts=1760373309 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805419/w320xh180_GettyImages-2208190892.jpg?ts=1760373309 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805419/w640xh360_GettyImages-2208190892.jpg?ts=1760373309 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805419/w768xh432_GettyImages-2208190892.jpg?ts=1760373309 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805419/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2208190892.jpg?ts=1760373309 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Steph Chambers / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Yes: </strong>In a perfect world, Skubal signs an extension and is a Tiger for life. But it doesn't appear that it's going to play out that way. Detroit president of baseball operations Scott Harris must have a pretty good idea of what it will take to extend Skubal, and if the Tigers' front office isn't willing to make a competitive offer, it's best to maximize the return for their ace rather than risk losing him for nothing.</p><p>Even rostering Skubal going into the season and maybe flipping him at the deadline is too risky. Not only is there a real threat of injury, but there's no way Skubal's value will be any higher than it is right now.</p><p>Skubal is arguably the heart and soul of this Tigers team. He's their best pitcher, and he's been the key cog in Detroit reaching the postseason two years in a row. Trading a player of that ilk isn't easy, and the front office would have to land a significant package in order to justify the move to the fan base - not to mention the clubhouse.</p><p>The Tigers haven't really spent big since Mike Ilitch's passing. Though they operated with their highest payroll in 2025 in eight years ($145 million), that's not close to the $200-million payrolls they carried in 2016 and 2017. Instead, the club focused on drafting and developing. Now the organization has a solid nucleus in place and a lot of payroll flexibility. The franchise could afford to drop significant money on Skubal, but the team might be better off selling high and then spreading that money around to address the numerous holes on the roster. This would, in theory, give the club a better shot at extending its current competitive window.</p><p>Detroit possesses the No. 6-ranked farm system according to MLB.com, but it's heavy on position players at the top end. Trading Skubal for a package of young and controllable pitchers makes a lot of sense. Harris could also reinvest the roughly $18 million Skubal is set to earn in arbitration this winter to sign a free-agent starter.</p><p>Skubal should have a strong market - even on an expiring deal - as teams that want to sign him next winter will also want a full season to sell him on their club.</p><p>It's not a perfect example, but the San Diego Padres were able to trade Juan Soto - in the final year of his deal - and Trent Grisham to the New York Yankees for Michael King, Drew Thorpe, Jhony Brito, Randy Vásquez, and Kyle Higashioka. The Padres then packaged Thorpe in another deal to acquire Dylan Cease from the Chicago White Sox. The Tigers have already seen that Skubal can only take them so far in the postseason, and they need more star power and depth to take the next step.</p><p>We've seen too many mid- to smaller-market teams mishandle their assets. Trading Skubal would hurt in the short term, but if the Tigers are convinced he's leaving next winter regardless, capitalizing on his trade market is a must in order to extend the club's competitive window. Just look at how the Angels mishandled Shohei Ohtani's final year of free agency and imagine how different that organization might look now if it had traded its greatest asset instead of letting him walk for a compensation draft pick. If the Tigers aren't going to pay Skubal, now is the time to pull the trigger on a trade. <em>- Wile </em></p>

CLEVELAND, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 23: Tarik Skubal #29 of the Detroit Tigers looks on during the sixth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field on September 23, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio.

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Should the Tigers trade Tarik Skubal?

The Atlanta Braves acquired utility player Mauricio Dubón from the Houston Astros in exchange for...

<p>The Atlanta Braves acquired utility player <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5676" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5676">Mauricio Dubón</a> from the Houston Astros in exchange for infielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12359" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12359">Nick Allen</a>, the teams announced Wednesday.</p><p>Dubón, 31, hit .241/.289/.355 with seven homers and 33 RBIs over 398 plate appearances with the Astros in 2025. However, he's more known for his stellar glovework across the diamond, having won the AL utility Gold Glove twice in the last three seasons.</p><p>Dubón played every position except for pitcher and catcher this past season, and posted positive defensive numbers at each spot en route to picking up his second Gold Glove. He racked up the most time at second base, where he accrued five defensive runs saved and eight outs above average in 318 innings, and was also worth eight outs above average at shortstop.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"We like the contact and the speed as well," Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos said, according to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6822088/2025/11/19/mauricio-dubon-trade-astros-braves-mlb/">Chandler Rome and David O'Brien of The Athletic</a>. "So, just a good piece. You know, you're gonna need that over the course of the year. We've had a bunch of injuries the last few years and the fact that he does it and he's a phenomenal teammate, just a great fit for us."</p><p>In Atlanta, Dubón could potentially slot in as the Braves' everyday shortstop, while also moving around the diamond as needed to give some of their other everyday players some rest. The Braves are still trying to add another shortstop this winter, and re-signing Ha-Seong Kim - who was acquired late in the year before declining his player option to become a free agent - remains a possibility to return, according to O'Brien and Rome.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Anthopoulos is open to Dubon beginning the season as the Braves shortstop. But there's also a chance he'll play all over the field. His role will be determined by how the remainder of the offseason goes.</p>— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) <a href="https://twitter.com/mlbbowman/status/1991342314808307750?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 20, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Dubón is a lifetime .257/.295/.374 hitter over parts of seven big-league seasons with three teams. The Honduran is entering his final year of arbitration eligibility, and is projected by <a href="https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/10/projected-arbitration-salaries-for-2026.html">MLB Trade Rumors</a> to earn $5.8 million in 2026.</p><p>The trade was Atlanta's second major move of the day, coming shortly after the team <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3403298" href="https://thescore.com/news/3403298">re-signed</a> closer <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4809" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4809">Raisel Iglesias</a> to a one-year deal.</p><p>Allen was the Braves' primary shortstop this past season and struggled offensively, hitting .221/.284/.251 with no home runs, 22 RBIs, and eight steals over 135 games. He was one of the best defensive shortstops in baseball, though, as his 12 DRS and 17 OAA both ranked third among qualified shortstops.</p><p>The 27-year-old owns a lifetime 55 OPS+ with nine homers over parts of four seasons with the Braves and Oakland Athletics. Defensively, he's put up 25 career DRS in 2,605 1/3 innings at shortstop, along with another four DRS at the keystone.</p><p>While not as versatile as Dubón, Allen does have some experience at both second and third base. He seems likely to take on a bigger utility role in Houston, where he could serve as a defensive replacement for either <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3992" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3992">Carlos Correa</a> at third or <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2841" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2841">Jose Altuve</a> at second, in addition to spelling both them and shortstop <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12665" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12665">Jeremy Peña</a>.</p><p>"I think it's a potential upside play," Astros general manager Dana Brown said of Allen, according to <a href="https://www.mlb.com/astros/news/astros-trade-for-nick-allen-deal-mauricio-dubon-to-braves">Brian McTaggart of MLB.com</a>. "You're getting a little bit younger in your utility role. It's a former high pick, he's the speed package, he's a really good defender on the infield."</p><p>Swapping in Allen - a first-year arbitration-eligible player who's projected to earn $1.5 million in 2026 - for Dubón also creates some additional payroll space for the Astros. Houston is trying to free up additional room to pursue both a pitcher and left-handed bat while also remaining under the luxury tax, sources told Rome and O'Brien.</p><p>"We're trying to get creative in getting some pitching, and in doing so, pitching is going to cost, which is why people think (the trade) is a financial move," Brown said, per McTaggart. "(Owner) Jim Crane has always been dedicated and focused on spending money to make the team better."</p>

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 25: Mauricio Dubón #14 of the Houston Astros runs the bases against the Athletics in the top of the third inning of a major league baseball game at Sutter Health Park on September 25, 2025 in Sacramento, California.

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Braves acquire Gold Glover Dubón from Astros for Allen

The Atlanta Braves brought a key piece back into the fold as they re-signed closer Raisel Iglesia...

<p>The Atlanta Braves brought a key piece back into the fold as they re-signed closer <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4809" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4809">Raisel Iglesias</a> to a one-year, $16-million contract Wednesday.</p><p>Iglesias, who will turn 36 in January, had been one of the top back-end relievers on the open market this winter. He's coming off another solid season with Atlanta that saw him tally 29 saves along with a 3.21 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, and 73 strikeouts across 70 appearances. Iglesias' 9.8 K/9 rate was also up a full strikeout from 2024.</p><p>The Cuban has been one of the most durable bullpen arms in baseball over the last nine years, averaging nearly 61 games pitched per season since 2017 while making at least 58 appearances in every full season over that span.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>A 11-year big-league veteran, Iglesias spent most of the last four years with the Braves, who acquired him from the Los Angeles Angels at the 2022 trade deadline. He owns a lifetime 2.90 ERA and 1.05 WHIP with 869 strikeouts and 253 saves across 736 innings.</p><p>Keeping Iglesias restores some certainty in the Braves' bullpen ahead of what could be a winter of change for the group. It's also still not clear who will be his primary set-up man. Right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5477" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5477">Joe Jiménez</a>, who missed last season due to knee issues, underwent another procedure on his left knee and his status heading into the spring remains unclear, general manager Alex Anthopoulos said, according to <a href="https://x.com/grantmcauley/status/1991342888371061119">Grant McAuley of 92.9 The Game</a>.</p>

ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 08: Relief pitcher Raisel Iglesias #26 of the Atlanta Braves delivers a pitch in the 9th inning during the Monday evening MLB game between the Atlanta Braves and the Chicago Cubs on September 8, 2025 at Truist Park in Atlanta, Georgia.

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Braves bring back Iglesias on 1-year, $16M deal

The Colorado Rockies bolstered their bullpen by acquiring left-hander Brennan Bernardino from the...

<p>The Colorado Rockies bolstered their bullpen by acquiring left-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/15378" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/15378">Brennan Bernardino</a> from the Boston Red Sox in exchange for minor-league outfielder Braiden Ward, the teams announced Tuesday.</p><p>Bernardino was a staple of Boston's bullpen for the last three seasons. In 2025, he posted a 3.14 ERA, 3.41 FIP, and 1.26 WHIP with 43 strikeouts, one save, and one home run allowed across 55 appearances, including three starts as an opener. However, his K/9 rate dropped to a career-worst 7.5, while his BB/9 spiked to 4.5.</p><p>Bernardino, who will turn 34 in January, missed most of September due to a lat strain and was left off the Red Sox postseason roster.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Despite his age, Bernardino comes to the Rockies with four years of team control remaining, giving them a reliable left-handed reliever for the foreseeable future. He's projected by <a href="https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/10/projected-arbitration-salaries-for-2026.html">MLB Trade Rumors</a> to earn $1.1 million in 2026.</p><p>The trade marks the first major move for Colorado under new president of baseball operations Paul DePodesta, who was hired last week.</p><p>Ward, Colorado's 16th-round draft pick in 2021, wasn't ranked among the Rockies' top prospects before the trade. The 26-year-old hit .290/.395/.391 with two homers, 37 RBIs, and 57 steals across 97 total games split between Double-A Hartford and Triple-A Albuquerque last season while playing four different positions defensively.</p><p>The Bernardino trade was one of several deals swung by the Red Sox on Tuesday. Boston also sent left-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13699" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13699">Chris Murphy</a>, who made 23 appearances last season after recovering from elbow surgery, to the Chicago White Sox in exchange for minor-league catcher Ronny Hernandez.</p><p>Earlier in the day, the Red Sox acquired infielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/10127" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10127">Tristan Gray</a> from the Tampa Bay Rays for minor-league right-hander Luis Guerrero while designating first baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9902" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9902">Nathaniel Lowe</a> for assignment. Boston also DFA'd right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12737" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12737">Josh Winckowski</a>.</p><p>Those moves helped the Red Sox open up four 40-man roster spots for Rule 5 Draft-eligible prospects ahead of Tuesday's protection deadline. Left-hander Shane Drohan, right-hander David Sandlin, and righty Tyler Uberstine were added to their 40-man roster.</p><p>Boston also landed catching prospect Luke Heyman in a minor deal with the Seattle Mariners for reliever Alex Hoppe.</p><p>Colorado, meanwhile, DFA'd first baseman Michael Toglia and left-hander Ryan Rolison after acquiring Bernardino. The Rockies also selected pitching prospects Welinton Herrera and Gabriel Hughes and outfielder Sterlin Thompson to the 40-man roster.</p>

BOSTON, MA - AUGUST 30: Brennan Bernardino #83 of the Boston Red Sox pitches against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the sixth inning at Fenway Park on August 30, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Pirates won 10-3.

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Red Sox send Bernardino to Rockies amid flurry of moves

The Pittsburgh Pirates appear to be quite serious about reeling in a big fish this winter.  Pitts...

<p>The Pittsburgh Pirates appear to be quite serious about reeling in a big fish this winter.</p><p>Pittsburgh is one of several teams in pursuit of free-agent slugger <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wbc/players/4761" href="https://thescore.com/wbc/players/4761">Kyle Schwarber</a>, <a href="https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/46999006/mlb-2025-26-offseason-passan-predictions-free-agency-kyle-tucker-schwarber-alex-bregman">ESPN's Jeff Passan</a> reports. The Bucs had also been chasing first baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8240" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8240">Josh Naylor</a> before he <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3400393" href="https://thescore.com/news/3400393">re-signed</a> with the Seattle Mariners on Monday, Passan adds.</p><p>The Pirates, who fielded a bottom-four payroll last season, have never been big spenders in free agency. Their biggest contract ever given to a free agent was a three-year, $39-million deal with Francisco Liriano in 2015, and they haven't signed any free agent to a multi-year deal since Iván Nova in 2016. However, general manager Ben Cherington <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3395456" href="https://thescore.com/news/3395456">said</a> earlier in November that the franchise has "more (payroll) flexibility" than in previous offseasons.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Pittsburgh will have to pony up a lot more than $39 million in order to lure Schwarber - arguably the top available power bat - to the Steel City. The 32-year-old was the 2025 NL MVP runner-up after posting a career-best .928 OPS with an NL-leading 56 homers and MLB-best 132 RBIs over 162 games as the Philadelphia Phillies' primary designated hitter. He could end up getting a deal that averages over $30 million per year, according to Passan.</p><p>Schwarber could be a perfect fit in the middle of the Pirates' lineup at DH and would undoubtedly enjoy aiming for PNC Park's 320-foot right-field porch while providing veteran leadership in a young clubhouse. Perhaps more importantly, though, landing him would give the perpetually floundering Bucs some newfound credibility throughout the baseball world.</p><p>Despite losing 91 games in 2025, the Pirates have perhaps the sport's best pitcher in NL Cy Young winner <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17521" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17521">Paul Skenes</a>, who's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3396544" href="https://thescore.com/news/3396544">expressed</a> a desire to win in Pittsburgh. The team seems ready to try and build a contender around him before he reaches free agency in 2029. The Bucs have posted a winning record just four times since 1994 and last won a World Series in 1979.</p><p>Although their pursuit of Naylor fell short, the Pirates were open to offering him more than double what they gave Liriano a decade ago, according to Passan. Naylor ended up returning to Seattle on a five-year, $92.5-million deal.</p>

PITTSBURGH, PA - JUNE 07: Kyle Schwarber #12 of the Philadelphia Phillies rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run in the first inning during the game between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on Saturday, June 7, 2025 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

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Report: Pirates eyeing Schwarber, tried to sign Naylor

Josh Naylor is staying in Seattle.  The Mariners announced Monday that they've re-signed the one-...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8240" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8240">Josh Naylor</a> is staying in Seattle.</p><p>The Mariners announced Monday that they've re-signed the one-time All-Star first baseman to a five-year contract.</p><p>The agreement is worth $92.5 million, includes a full no-trade clause, and contains no deferred money, a source told <a href="https://x.com/JeffPassan/status/1990570883765973168">ESPN's Jeff Passan</a>. Naylor also gets a $6.5-million signing bonus, <a href="https://x.com/ByRobertMurray/status/1990570767420096821">Robert Murray of FanSided</a> reports.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"I'm going to be a Mariner again, and I couldn't be more excited," Naylor said in a statement. "From the moment I arrived, everyone in the organization welcomed and helped me. The players brought me in and loved my game right away, and the fans were incredible. ... I can't wait to continue to play with these guys and bring the city a championship."</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">T-Mobile Park is lit up with Josh Naylor's initials tonight after the Mariners officially announced they've resigned him to a five-year deal<br><br>(h/t <a href="https://twitter.com/John_B_Edwards?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@John_B_Edwards</a>) <a href="https://t.co/9AKAzDSnZC">pic.twitter.com/9AKAzDSnZC</a></p>— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) <a href="https://twitter.com/TalkinBaseball_/status/1990614917045490043?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 18, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Naylor was an immediate fit in Seattle after being acquired from the Arizona Diamondbacks in a July trade. The 28-year-old posted an .831 OPS with nine homers and 33 RBIs and stole 19 bases without being caught in 54 games following the trade. His efforts helped the Mariners win their first division title since 2001.</p><p>Overall, he hit .295/.353/.462 with 20 homers, 92 RBIs, and a career-best 30 steals across 147 total games in 2025.</p><p>Naylor excelled in the playoffs, slashing .340/.392/.574 with three homers and five RBIs during the Mariners' run to the ALCS. The majority of that production came versus his hometown Toronto Blue Jays in the championship series, when Naylor went 10-for-24 during his team's seven-game series loss.</p><p>Re-signing Naylor shores up what had been a significant hole at first base for the Mariners. He also gives them another power bat behind AL MVP runner-up <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/10827" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10827">Cal Raleigh</a>.</p><p>The Canadian is a lifetime .269/.329/.447 hitter with 104 homers and 435 RBIs across parts of seven big-league seasons with Seattle, Arizona, the Cleveland Guardians, and the San Diego Padres. Naylor was an All-Star with the Guardians in 2024.</p>

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - AUGUST 09: Josh Naylor #12 of the Seattle Mariners reacts after his double during the fifth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at T-Mobile Park on August 09, 2025 in Seattle, Washington.

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Mariners re-sign Naylor to 5-year deal reportedly worth $92.5M

Go grab some watermelons. Lord Grey's mug is heading back to the prairies.  The Saskatchewan Roug...

<p>Go grab some watermelons. Lord Grey's mug is heading back to the prairies.</p><p>The Saskatchewan Roughriders fended off a second-half comeback from the Montreal Alouettes to win the 112th Grey Cup, 25-17. It's the Green Riders' fifth championship and first since 2013.</p><p>Montreal scored 10 unanswered points in the second half to make it a one-score game and had the ball inside the Saskatchewan five-yard line with three minutes to play. But short-yardage quarterback Shea Patterson fumbled the ball back into Roughrider hands on his sneak attempt into the end zone.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Alouettes got one more chance with under a minute to go, but starting quarterback Davis Alexander appeared to re-injure his hamstring on a run. Alexander gutted out the last drive to afford Montreal one last chance, but his Hail Mary fell incomplete in the end zone as time expired to ensure Saskatchewan's win.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3400090" href="https://thescore.com/news/3400090">Grey Cup MVP</a> Trevor Harris threw for 302 yards in the win, earning his first Grey Cup ring as a starter. Running back A.J. Ouellette, a champion with Toronto in 2022, rushed for 83 yards and one touchdown on 17 carries along with a 32-yard reception. Backup QB Tommy Stevens also rushed for a pair of majors.</p><p>Saskatchewan trailed 7-1 after one quarter, but turned on the gas from there by scoring 21 straight points, including 14 in the second quarter. Ouellette's reception proved critical, as it set up his rushing TD that capped a 11-play, 87-yard drive in the second. Tommy Nield had a huge catch inside the five on the first drive of the third quarter that led to a Stevens score.</p><p>But the Alouettes did not go quietly. After a Saskatchewan field goal, Alexander led an eight-play, 70-yard scoring drive that ended in a Stevie Scott III touchdown to cut into the Roughriders' lead.</p><p>The comeback continued on the following Montreal offensive drive. Alexander had the ball at Saskatchewan's 11-yard line with nine minutes to play after Mike Rose was flagged for roughing the passer, but had to settle for a field goal. The Alouettes wouldn't score again.</p><p>Scott had one of his best games of the season on the ground for the Als, rushing for 78 yards and one touchdown on 15 carries. But the Roughriders held Montreal's talented receiving corps in check, with none of the Als' wideouts catching more than 87 yards. Alexander was also picked off three times and was held to just 14 rushing yards, likely because of his hamstring.</p><p>The win completed a dominant 2025 season for the Roughriders, who had the CFL's best defense and went wire-to-wire atop the West Division. This is the first time since 1966 that Saskatchewan won the Grey Cup after posting the league's best record during the regular season.</p>

WINNIPEG, CANADA - NOVEMBER 16: Trevor Harris #7 of the Saskatchewan Roughriders hoists the Grey Cup after the 112th Grey Cup game between the Montreal Alouettes and Saskatchewan Roughriders at Princess Auto Stadium on November 16, 2025 in Winnipeg, Canada.

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Riders hold off Alouettes to win 1st Grey Cup since 2013

Saskatchewan Roughriders quarterback Trevor Harris was named Grey Cup MVP after leading his team ...

<p>Saskatchewan Roughriders quarterback Trevor Harris was named Grey Cup MVP after leading his team to victory over the Montreal Alouettes in the 112th Grey Cup.</p><p>Harris captained the Roughriders to victory by throwing for 302 yards and completing 23 of 27 passes for a Grey Cup-record 85.2 completion percentage, and did so without throwing an interception. While he didn't pass for a touchdown, Harris did lead drives that ended in a pair of rushing majors for short-yardage QB Tommy Stevens, and a third rushing touchdown by tailback A.J. Ouellette.</p><p>The win marked the 39-year-old pivot's first Grey Cup championship as a starting quarterback. Harris won rings as a backup in Toronto and Ottawa, but had lost his lone previous Grey Cup appearance as a starter in 2018.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">"We're champs FOREVER! LET'S GO!" <br><br>112th <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GreyCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GreyCup</a> MVP Trevor Harris | <a href="https://twitter.com/sskroughriders?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sskroughriders</a> <a href="https://t.co/1glkOUa7RE">pic.twitter.com/1glkOUa7RE</a></p>— CFL (@CFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/CFL/status/1990255369411797436?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Harris is the first Roughriders QB to win Grey Cup MVP since Kent Austin in 1989.</p><p>Roughriders wide receiver Samuel Emilus, meanwhile, won the Dick Suderman Trophy as the game's Most Valuable Canadian. The Montreal native hauled in all 10 of his targets for 108 yards to become just the eighth player ever, and first Rider, with at least 10 receptions in a Grey Cup game.</p><p>Emilus the fourth Roughrider to win Most Valuable Canadian, joining Dave Ridgway in 1989, Andy Fantuz in 2007, Keith Shologan in 2010, and Chris Getzlaf in 2013.</p>

WINNIPEG, CANADA - NOVEMBER 16: Trevor Harris #7 of the Saskatchewan Roughriders is presented with the most valuable player award for the 112th Grey Cup game between the Montreal Alouettes and Saskatchewan Roughriders at Princess Auto Stadium on November 16, 2025 in Winnipeg, Canada.

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Riders' Harris named Grey Cup MVP, Emilus is top Canadian

The Los Angeles Kings locked up one of their core pieces for the long haul, agreeing to an eight-...

<p>The Los Angeles Kings locked up one of their core pieces for the long haul, agreeing to an eight-year contract with winger <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4520" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4520">Adrian Kempe</a>, the team announced Monday.</p><p>Kempe's extension carries a $10.625-million average annual value, <a href="https://x.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/1990186631127781812">Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman</a> reports.</p><p>He was playing out the final season of a four-year deal with a $5.5-million cap hit and was scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent this summer.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 29-year-old Swede has six goals and a team-best 19 points across 19 games this campaign, primarily playing alongside captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/575" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/575">Anze Kopitar</a> on Los Angeles' top line. Kempe's 13 assists are also tied for the most among Kings players, and his three game-winning goals rank fourth in the NHL.</p><p>A first-round pick (29th overall) of the Kings in 2014, Kempe has spent his entire 10-year career in Hollywood while playing both left and right wing at various points. He's recorded 200 goals, 420 points, 84 power-play goals, and 383 penalty minutes across 649 regular-season contests.</p><p> </p>

MONTREAL, QC - NOVEMBER 11: Adrian Kempe (9) of the Los Angeles Kings looks on during the warm-up period of the NHL game between the Los Angeles Kings and the Montreal Canadiens on Nov 11, 2025, at the Bell Centre in Montreal, QC

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Kings ink Kempe to 8-year deal reportedly worth $10.625M AAV

This year's Grey Cup matchup only features one of the CFL's two division winners, but it's noneth...

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112th Grey Cup primer: Als, Riders prepare for heavyweight clash

The Canadian Football League handed out its 2025 awards Thursday in Winnipeg.  It was a big night...

<p>The Canadian Football League handed out its 2025 awards Thursday in Winnipeg.</p><p>It was a big night for the BC Lions, who walked away with three of the six major on-field awards as voted by members of the Football Reporters of Canada and the nine CFL head coaches. Every award was won by a player from the West Division.</p><p>Unlike in past years, the Coach of the Year (Annis Stukus Trophy) was not announced Thursday. That award's recipient will be revealed at a later date, with Saskatchewan's Corey Mace and Montreal's Jason Maas as the top candidates.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Here's a look at all of Thursday's big winners:</p><h3>George Reed Most Outstanding Player: Nathan Rourke, Lions QB</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809892/cropped_GettyImages-2220458119.jpg?ts=1763093705" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809892/w220xh124_GettyImages-2220458119.jpg?ts=1763093705 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809892/w320xh180_GettyImages-2220458119.jpg?ts=1763093705 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809892/w640xh360_GettyImages-2220458119.jpg?ts=1763093705 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809892/w768xh432_GettyImages-2220458119.jpg?ts=1763093705 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809892/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2220458119.jpg?ts=1763093705 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Rich Lam / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>It was a historic evening for Nathan Rourke, who became the first Canadian quarterback to win Most Outstanding Player since Ottawa Rough Riders legend Russ Jackson in 1969.</p><p>Rourke was at the helm of a dominant BC Lions offense, throwing for 5,290 yards and 31 touchdowns with a 70.4 completion percentage and 112.2 QB rating. He also racked up 564 rushing yards - the most by any QB - and 10 rushing TDs while averaging over nine yards per carry.</p><p>Rourke, the runaway winner over Hamilton Tiger-Cats pivot Bo Levi Mitchell, is the eighth Lions player to win MOP. He joins Travis Lulay, Casey Printers, and Doug Flutie as BC quarterbacks who've claimed the accolade. This also marks the second consecutive year a Canadian has won MOP, as Winnipeg tailback Brady Oliveira won in 2024.</p><h3>Most Outstanding Canadian: Nathan Rourke</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qQpjVHTPdRk?si=yq39DhPa6Ln8xuGy" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></figure><p>Rourke's MOP win made him the obvious choice to claim Most Outstanding Canadian, as he received 50 of 53 votes to beat Montreal Alouettes defensive lineman Isaac Adeyemi-Berglund. The Victoria, B.C., native broke Russ Jackson's 56-year-old single-season record for passing yards by a Canadian quarterback, and became the first Canadian pivot to pass for 5,000 yards in a season. Rourke, who also won this award in 2022, joins four-time winner Jackson as the only QBs to win it multiple times. He's the fifth player to win both MOP and Outstanding Canadian in the same season, joining Brady Oliveira (2024), Jon Cornish (2013), Tony Gabriel (1978), and Jackson (1963, '66, and '69).</p><h3>Most Outstanding Defensive Player: Mathieu Betts, Lions</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809875/cropped_GettyImages-2182727331.jpg?ts=1763085834" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809875/w220xh124_GettyImages-2182727331.jpg?ts=1763085834 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809875/w320xh180_GettyImages-2182727331.jpg?ts=1763085834 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809875/w640xh360_GettyImages-2182727331.jpg?ts=1763085834 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809875/w768xh432_GettyImages-2182727331.jpg?ts=1763085834 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809875/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2182727331.jpg?ts=1763085834 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Brent Just / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Betts was named the CFL's top defender for the second time in three years. The defensive end terrorized quarterbacks all season, recording a league-leading 15 sacks along with four forced fumbles and 42 tackles. The 30-year-old Montreal native is the first Canadian to win Most Outstanding Defensive Player twice. He's also the fourth multi-time winner with BC, joining Solomon Elimimian, Cameron Wake, and James "Quick" Parker.</p><p>Betts received 40 of 53 votes to defeat East Division nominee Julian Howsare.</p><h3>Most Outstanding Rookie: Trey Vaval, Blue Bombers DB/KR</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809884/cropped_GettyImages-2235124839.jpg?ts=1763090432" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809884/w220xh124_GettyImages-2235124839.jpg?ts=1763090432 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809884/w320xh180_GettyImages-2235124839.jpg?ts=1763090432 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809884/w640xh360_GettyImages-2235124839.jpg?ts=1763090432 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809884/w768xh432_GettyImages-2235124839.jpg?ts=1763090432 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809884/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2235124839.jpg?ts=1763090432 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">John E. Sokolowski / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Vaval exploded onto the CFL scene as both a defender and special teams force. The 25-year-old Missouri native tallied 21 defensive tackles along with one interception and one fumble recovery, plus another four special teams tackles. He also set multiple records as a kick returner. Vaval is the eighth Blue Bombers player to win Most Outstanding Rookie.</p><h3>Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman: Jermarcus Hardrick, Roughriders</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809878/cropped_GettyImages-2218967291.jpg?ts=1763086499" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809878/w220xh124_GettyImages-2218967291.jpg?ts=1763086499 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809878/w320xh180_GettyImages-2218967291.jpg?ts=1763086499 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809878/w640xh360_GettyImages-2218967291.jpg?ts=1763086499 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809878/w768xh432_GettyImages-2218967291.jpg?ts=1763086499 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809878/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2218967291.jpg?ts=1763086499 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Brent Just / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>This is Hardrick's first time winning the top lineman award in 12 CFL seasons. The 35-year-old anchored a Roughriders O-line that allowed the offense to produce over 6,800 yards of net offense and a 1,200-yard season for running back A.J. Ouellette. Hardrick, who earned 38 of 53 votes to defeat Hamilton guard Brandon Revenberg, is the first Riders lineman to earn this award since Brendon LaBatte in 2013.</p><h3>Most Outstanding Special Teams Player: Trey Vaval</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qryuHR_fBVY?si=poeTo85Sh9Hnlx9l" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></figure><p>Vaval added the top special teams honor to his Outstanding Rookie trophy, receiving 40 votes to beat Argos kicker Lirim Hajrullahu. The Minnesota State product racked up 2,266 total return yards, including a league-leading 957 punt return yards while tallying four kick return touchdowns. Vaval set a CFL record in Week 16 by returning two missed field goals for 199 yards, including one for a 128-yard touchdown. He's the fifth Winnipeg player to win this award.</p><h3>Tom Pate Memorial Award: Andrew Peirson, Lions</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EfnwSRSK2_4?si=hExgXeMbyyFfm9T6" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></figure><p>The CFL Players' Association bestows this award to a player who demonstrates "outstanding sportsmanship, dedication to the league, and significant contributions to team, community, and the players' association." Peirson, a Lions offensive lineman, started six games for BC this season. Off the field, he was heavily involved in the Vancouver community, making hundreds of school visits with the Lions. He also recently earned the King Charles III Coronation Award in recognition of his work with the Heart and Stroke Foundation.</p><h3>Jake Gadauar Veterans' Award: Logan Ferland, Roughriders</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RBWt-DkGLzo?si=1MfKsAyvFIuDI4Lu" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></figure><p>This award is presented to a Canadian player "who demonstrates the attributes of Canada's veterans." Ferland, a staple of the Roughriders' offensive line and team captain, is an ambassador for Saskatoon's Jim Pattison Children's Hospital and Ronald McDonald House in Saskatchewan. He also works with youth in his home province as part of the Rider Reading and Win With Wellness programs. On the field, the Canadian Junior Football League alumnus has been one of the CFL's most disciplined players, being flagged just once in his last 56 games.</p>

REGINA, CANADA - NOVEMBER 8: Nathan Rourke #12 of the BC Lions throws a pass during warm-up before the CFL Western Final game between the BC Lions and Saskatchewan Roughriders at Mosaic Stadium on November 8, 2025 in Regina, Canada.

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2025 CFL Awards: Lions' Rourke earns historic MOP win

Major League Baseball announced the winners of multiple league-sanctioned awards Thursday in Las ...

<p>Major League Baseball announced the winners of multiple league-sanctioned awards Thursday in Las Vegas, including the first and second All-MLB teams, Hank Aaron Awards, Comeback Players of the Year, and Relievers of the Year.</p><p>Sixteen players were named to each All-MLB team across both leagues. Players were chosen through a combination of fan vote and panel of media members, broadcasters, and former players.</p><p>Here's a look at this year's All-MLB selections:</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>First-team position players</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Position</th>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>C</td>
<td>Cal Raleigh</td>
<td>Mariners</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1B</td>
<td>Vladimir Guerrero Jr.</td>
<td>Blue Jays</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2B</td>
<td>Ketel Marte</td>
<td>D-Backs</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SS</td>
<td>Bobby Witt Jr.</td>
<td>Royals</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3B</td>
<td>José Ramírez</td>
<td>Guardians</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>OF</td>
<td>Aaron Judge</td>
<td>Yankees</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>OF</td>
<td>Juan Soto</td>
<td>Mets</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>OF</td>
<td>Julio Rodríguez</td>
<td>Mariners</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DH</td>
<td>Shohei Ohtani</td>
<td>Dodgers</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>This is Ohtani's eighth career All-MLB selection, by far the most of any player since this award was created in 2019.</p><h3>First-team pitchers</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Position</th>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>SP</td>
<td>Garrett Crochet</td>
<td>Red Sox</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SP</td>
<td>Max Fried</td>
<td>Yankees</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SP</td>
<td>Tarik Skubal</td>
<td>Tigers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SP</td>
<td>Paul Skenes</td>
<td>Pirates</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SP</td>
<td>Yoshinobu Yamamoto</td>
<td>Dodgers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RP</td>
<td>Aroldis Chapman</td>
<td>Red Sox</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RP</td>
<td>Jhoan Duran</td>
<td>Twins/Phillies</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><h3>Second-team position players</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Position</th>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>C</td>
<td>Will Smith</td>
<td>Dodgers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1B</td>
<td>Nick Kurtz</td>
<td>Athletics</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2B</td>
<td>Brice Turang</td>
<td>Brewers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SS</td>
<td>Bo Bichette</td>
<td>Blue Jays</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3B</td>
<td>Junior Caminero</td>
<td>Rays</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>OF</td>
<td>Cody Bellinger</td>
<td>Yankees</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>OF</td>
<td>Corbin Carroll</td>
<td>D-Backs</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>OF</td>
<td>Pete Crow-Armstrong</td>
<td>Cubs</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DH</td>
<td>Kyle Schwarber</td>
<td>Phillies</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><h3>Second-team pitchers</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Position</th>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>SP</td>
<td>Hunter Brown</td>
<td>Astros</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SP</td>
<td>Freddy Peralta</td>
<td>Brewers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SP</td>
<td>Cristopher Sánchez</td>
<td>Phillies</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SP</td>
<td>Zack Wheeler</td>
<td>Phillies</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SP</td>
<td>Bryan Woo</td>
<td>Mariners</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RP</td>
<td>Edwin Díaz</td>
<td>Mets</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RP</td>
<td>Andrés Muñoz</td>
<td>Mariners</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Now here's a look at the winners of the individual hardware MLB handed out Thursday:</p><h3>Hank Aaron Award</h3><p><strong>AL: Aaron Judge, Yankees RF; NL: Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers DH</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809676/cropped_GettyImages-2241207799.jpg?ts=1762972428" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809676/w220xh124_GettyImages-2241207799.jpg?ts=1762972428 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809676/w320xh180_GettyImages-2241207799.jpg?ts=1762972428 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809676/w640xh360_GettyImages-2241207799.jpg?ts=1762972428 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809676/w768xh432_GettyImages-2241207799.jpg?ts=1762972428 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809676/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2241207799.jpg?ts=1762972428 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Ishika Samant / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>On the same night they each repeated as their respective league's MVP, Judge and Ohtani also won Hank Aaron Awards as their leagues' top offensive players for a second consecutive season. The wins put both superstars alongside Barry Bonds and four-time winner Alex Rodriguez as the only players with at least three Hank Aaron Awards.</p><p>Judge led the majors in all four slash-stat categories, hitting .331/.457/.688 with a 1.144 OPS, 53 homers, 114 RBIs, 137 runs scored, 85 extra-base hits, and 372 total bases. He also led the majors in OPS, OPS+ (215), and topped AL hitters in runs and total bases.</p><p>Ohtani slashed .282/.392/.622 with 55 homers, 102 RBIs, 146 runs scored, 89 extra-base hits, 20 steals, and a 179 OPS+. He topped the NL leaderboards in slugging, OPS, and OPS+, and became the fifth player to hit 50-plus homers and score 145-plus runs in a season.</p><p>Judge and Ohtani both joined another exclusive club in 2025, as they became the fifth and sixth players to hit 50 homers in back-to-back seasons. For Judge, it was the fourth 50-homer campaign of his career, tying the MLB record.</p><h3>Reliever of the Year</h3><p><strong>Mariano Rivera AL Reliever of the Year: Aroldis Chapman, Red Sox</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803685/cropped_GettyImages-2238437942.jpg?ts=1759282883" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803685/w220xh124_GettyImages-2238437942.jpg?ts=1759282883 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803685/w320xh180_GettyImages-2238437942.jpg?ts=1759282883 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803685/w640xh360_GettyImages-2238437942.jpg?ts=1759282883 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803685/w768xh432_GettyImages-2238437942.jpg?ts=1759282883 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/803685/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2238437942.jpg?ts=1759282883 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Ishika Samant / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The 37-year-old Chapman turned in a career year for the Red Sox, tallying a 1.17 ERA, 1.73 FIP, and 0.70 WHIP with 85 strikeouts and 32 saves across 67 appearances. Chapman allowed just three home runs in 61 1/3 innings, and lowered his ERA by nearly three full runs compared to 2024. This is his second time winning Reliever of the Year honors, previously earning it while pitching for the New York Yankees in 2019.</p><p><strong>Trevor Hoffman NL Reliever of the Year: Edwin Díaz, Mets</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/800181/cropped_GettyImages-2233930955.jpg?ts=1757126797" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/800181/w220xh124_GettyImages-2233930955.jpg?ts=1757126797 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/800181/w320xh180_GettyImages-2233930955.jpg?ts=1757126797 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/800181/w640xh360_GettyImages-2233930955.jpg?ts=1757126797 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/800181/w768xh432_GettyImages-2233930955.jpg?ts=1757126797 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/800181/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2233930955.jpg?ts=1757126797 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jason Mowry / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>It was another dominant season for Díaz, who posted a 1.63 ERA and 0.87 WHIP along with 98 strikeouts and 28 saves over 62 appearances for the Mets. The 31-year-old, who won this award in the AL in 2018 and the NL in 2022, joins Josh Hader as the only three-time Reliever of the Year winners.</p><h3>Comeback Players of the Year</h3><p><strong>AL: Jacob deGrom, Rangers SP</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/798891/cropped_GettyImages-2232097507.jpg?ts=1756183755" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/798891/w220xh124_GettyImages-2232097507.jpg?ts=1756183755 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/798891/w320xh180_GettyImages-2232097507.jpg?ts=1756183755 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/798891/w640xh360_GettyImages-2232097507.jpg?ts=1756183755 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/798891/w768xh432_GettyImages-2232097507.jpg?ts=1756183755 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/798891/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2232097507.jpg?ts=1756183755 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Stacy Revere / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>DeGrom made just nine starts in 2023 and '24 after undergoing Tommy John surgery. In 2025, he was back to his old self, putting up a 2.97 ERA and 0.92 WHIP with 185 strikeouts and a 1.9 BB/9 rate en route to earning down-ballot AL Cy Young votes. DeGrom is the second Rangers player to win the award, joining Prince Fielder in 2015.</p><p><strong>NL: Ronald Acuña Jr., Braves OF</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/791669/cropped_GettyImages-2221123216.jpg?ts=1750732673" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/791669/w220xh124_GettyImages-2221123216.jpg?ts=1750732673 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/791669/w320xh180_GettyImages-2221123216.jpg?ts=1750732673 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/791669/w640xh360_GettyImages-2221123216.jpg?ts=1750732673 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/791669/w768xh432_GettyImages-2221123216.jpg?ts=1750732673 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/791669/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2221123216.jpg?ts=1750732673 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Michael Mooney / Major League Baseball / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>After playing just 49 games in 2024 following a torn ACL, Acuña showed no rust in his comeback season, hitting .290/.417/.518 with 21 homers, 42 RBIs, and nine steals over 95 games. The 2023 NL MVP also earned his fifth career All-Star appearance. Acuña is the Braves' second consecutive winner after Chris Sale took home the award last year, and their fifth overall.</p><h3>Edgar Martínez Outstanding DH Award: Shohei Ohtani</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807114/cropped_GettyImages-2243131339.jpg?ts=1761366479" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807114/w220xh124_GettyImages-2243131339.jpg?ts=1761366479 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807114/w320xh180_GettyImages-2243131339.jpg?ts=1761366479 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807114/w640xh360_GettyImages-2243131339.jpg?ts=1761366479 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807114/w768xh432_GettyImages-2243131339.jpg?ts=1761366479 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807114/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2243131339.jpg?ts=1761366479 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Mark Blinch / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Ohtani, who won his <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3391995" href="https://thescore.com/news/3391995">second straight NL MVP</a> earlier Thursday, has now been named the league's Outstanding DH in five consecutive seasons, matching Hall of Fame slugger David Ortiz's record from 2003-07. Ohtani also matches Martínez, the Hall of Famer and award's namesake, for the second-most Outstanding DH awards ever. Only Ortiz, an eight-time winner, has more.</p><h3>MLB Executive of the Year: Matt Arnold, Brewers</h3><p>Arnold earned MLB's top executive honors for a second straight year after constructing a Brewers squad that won a league-best 97 games and reached the NLCS for the first time since 2018.</p>

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 15: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers looks on during the first inning of the MLB All-Star Game at Truist Park on July 15, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.

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2025 MLB awards: All-MLB teams, Hank Aaron winners revealed

New York Yankees superstar Aaron Judge won his third AL MVP in the last four seasons, making him ...

<p>New York Yankees superstar Aaron Judge won his third AL MVP in the last four seasons, making him just the 13th player ever to own at least three MVPs.</p><p>In a hotly contested vote that ended up as close as the debate surrounding the award, Judge received 17 of 30<strong> </strong>first-place votes to edge out Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh by 20 points. Raleigh - who garnered 13 first-place votes following his remarkable 60-homer campaign - and Judge were the only players who received first- or second-place votes.</p><p>The margin of victory was the closest for an AL MVP race since Mike Trout's 20-point win in 2019.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Cleveland Guardians third baseman José Ramírez finished in third place.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="AL MVP" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-5Oo2J" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/5Oo2J/2/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="222" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>Judge is now the third Yankees player to win three MVPs while wearing pinstripes, joining franchise icons Joe DiMaggio, Yogi Berra, and Mickey Mantle. He's the 20th player to win in consecutive seasons and the first AL player to earn back-to-back MVPs since the Detroit Tigers' Miguel Cabrera in 2012 and '13.</p><p>The season was another historic one for the 33-year-old slugger, who hit .331/.457/.688 and led the majors in all four slash-stat categories, including OPS (1.144). Judge also recorded his fourth career and second consecutive 50-homer campaign, putting him alongside Sammy Sosa, Mark McGwire, and Babe Ruth for the most career 50-homer seasons.</p><p>Overall, Judge finished his year with 53 long balls, 114 RBIs, 85 extra-base hits, 137 runs scored, and 124 walks over 679 plate appearances. He led the AL in runs, walks, extra-base hits, and total bases (372) and was intentionally walked an MLB-high 36 times.</p><p>Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. finished fourth, while Detroit Tigers ace and reigning two-time AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal came in fifth. Julio Rodríguez, George Springer, Garrett Crochet, Junior Caminero, and Jeremy Peña also earned top-10 finishes.</p>

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 07: Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees celebrates hitting a three-run home run against the Toronto Blue Jays during the fourth inning in game three of the American League Division Series at Yankee Stadium on October 07, 2025 in the Bronx borough of New York City.

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Judge bests Raleigh for 3rd AL MVP in 4 years

Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani added one more chapter to his legend Thursday by winn...

<p>Los Angeles Dodgers superstar <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9519" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9519">Shohei Ohtani</a> added one more chapter to his legend Thursday by winning the NL MVP for a second straight year.</p><p>The latest victory puts Ohtani alongside seven-time winner Barry Bonds as the only players with at least four career MVP awards. Once again, he won in unanimous fashion, receiving all 30 first-place votes over fellow finalists Kyle Schwarber and Juan Soto. Ohtani's now won all four of his MVPs unanimously; no other player has ever won it unanimously more than once.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="NL MVP" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-pOUzO" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/pOUzO/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="218" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>Ohtani won two AL MVPs with the Los Angeles Angels in 2021 and '23. Last year's NL trophy with the Dodgers made him just the second player to win an MVP in both leagues, joining Hall of Famer Frank Robinson. Ohtani and Bonds, who won four straight from 2001-04, are the only players to win at least three consecutive MVPs.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 31-year-old made history yet again in 2025. As a hitter, he slashed .282/.392/.622 with 55 homers, 102 RBIs, 20 steals, 89 extra-base hits, 146 runs scored, and 109 walks over 727 plate appearances. Ohtani led the NL in slugging, OPS (1.014), OPS+ (179), and intentional walks (20) and topped the majors in total bases (380) and runs.</p><p>He's the fifth player ever to record 50-plus home runs and 145-plus runs scored in a season, joining Sammy Sosa, Jimmie Foxx, Hack Wilson, and Babe Ruth, who did it four times. Ohtani also became one of only six players to record consecutive 50-homer seasons.</p><p>Ohtani also made his return to the mound after not pitching in 2024 while recovering from elbow surgery. He posted a 2.87 ERA, 1.90 FIP, and 1.04 WHIP along with 62 strikeouts, nine walks, and three home runs allowed over 14 starts. His 11.9 K/9 rate was the best in the NL among starting pitchers with at least 40 innings.</p><p>Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop Geraldo Perdomo and Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Trea Turner finished fourth and fifth in voting, respectively. Paul Skenes, Corbin Carroll, Fernando Tatis Jr., Pete Crow-Armstrong, and Francisco Lindor rounded out the NL's top 10.</p>

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 28: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts after pitching during Game Four of the 2025 World Series presented by Capital One between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on Tuesday, October 28, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

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Ohtani joins Bonds as only players to win 4 MVPs

Aaron Judge and Cal Raleigh put together two historic seasons, but only one player will be reward...

<p>Aaron Judge and Cal Raleigh put together two historic seasons, but only one player will be rewarded for his efforts Thursday (7 p.m. ET) when the BBWAA announces the winner of the American League MVP. Will Raleigh become the first Seattle Mariner since Ichiro Suzuki in 2001 to take home the award, or will Judge join exclusive company as the eighth player in MLB history to win at least three MVP titles? Our MLB editors Simon Sharkey-Gotlieb and Brandon Wile make their case for who should win in 2025:</p><h3>Why Raleigh should win MVP?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/801612/cropped_GettyImages-2235828870.jpg?ts=1758068850" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/801612/w220xh124_GettyImages-2235828870.jpg?ts=1758068850 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/801612/w320xh180_GettyImages-2235828870.jpg?ts=1758068850 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/801612/w640xh360_GettyImages-2235828870.jpg?ts=1758068850 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/801612/w768xh432_GettyImages-2235828870.jpg?ts=1758068850 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/801612/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2235828870.jpg?ts=1758068850 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jamie Squire / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Let's get this out of the way: supporting Raleigh for AL MVP is <em>not</em> a knock against Judge, nor is it a sign of voter fatigue. Judge may be the greatest right-handed hitter we'll ever see, and he produced another tremendous season. It's just bad luck for him that Raleigh had the year he did at the same time.</p><p>First, we'll go to the basis of Raleigh's MVP case. He hit 60 home runs in 2025, marking the 10th 60-homer season in MLB history and the fourth accomplished outside the "steroid era" between 1998 and 2001. The 28-year-old also set a single-season home-run record for switch-hitters, beating Mickey Mantle's 54 long balls in 1961. Plus, Raleigh led the AL in RBIs with 125.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>On its own, that's a remarkable and award-worthy feat. And then you realize that Raleigh hit 60 homers as an everyday catcher.</p><p>Catchers aren't supposed to do all that. The best offensive backstops in history never came close to this kind of power number due to the demands and physical toll the position takes on the body. Yet Raleigh shattered expectations, not only breaking the single-season home-run mark by a primary catcher by being the first ever to hit 50 - let alone 60 - but he also became the first backstop to record at least 80 extra-base hits. All the while, he shepherded the Mariners' top-tier pitching staff every day and didn't allow a passed ball in 1,072 innings behind the plate. That's jaw-dropping stuff.</p><p>Now, we must acknowledge here that Raleigh started 38 games at DH to get him some rest and keep his bat in the lineup. But if you look at his splits, you'll see that he hit <em>better</em> on days he was catching. That should weigh heavily in his favor.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-xZnSf" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/xZnSf/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="114" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>Raleigh's 49 homers while playing catcher were seven more than the previous record. But we can dig even deeper. Before this year, only two primary catchers hit 45-plus homers in a season: Johnny Bench recorded 45 in 1970, and Salvador Perez had 48 in 2021. Let's put their positional homer splits alongside Raleigh's 2025 splits. Just for fun, we also added Bench's 40-homer 1972 season to the table.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-ROoKZ" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/ROoKZ/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="234" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>Raleigh's clearly not the only power-hitting catcher who's added to his home-run totals at other positions. And in case you're wondering, Bench won NL MVP in 1970 and '72, with no controversy over him playing different positions. Had there been a DH back then, there's no doubt that Bench would've used the spot to get rest and pad his totals.</p><p>Another point that critics of Raleigh pick at is his .247 batting average, which would be the lowest ever for an MVP hitter. However, the number hardly disqualifies him. Seven players have gone on to win MVP despite hitting below .275 during the season, and several of those years are now considered historic. Shohei Ohtani's .257 average in 2021 is the lowest for an MVP-winning hitter, and voters rightly ignored that stat because of his unprecedented two-way performance.</p><p>But take a look at some of the other campaigns on this list. Bench hit .270 with 40 homers during his 1972 MVP season behind the plate. Yogi Berra won in 1955 while hitting .272 as a catcher, during an era when batting average was a far more meaningful statistic. And then there's 1961 AL MVP Roger Maris, who bested teammate Mickey Mantle despite hitting just .269. Maris' 61 homers and AL-best 141 RBIs were enough to beat out Mantle's superior stats in other categories. Sound familiar?</p><p>Again, none of this should downplay Judge's 2025. However, he didn't deliver a true season for the ages while catching every day and guiding one of baseball's best pitching staffs to excellence. Raleigh accomplished something truly unique, and there's enough precedent to justify him winning MVP. <em>- Sharkey-Gotlieb</em></p><h3>Why Aaron Judge should win MVP?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809625/cropped_GettyImages-2239465340.jpg?ts=1762921347" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809625/w220xh124_GettyImages-2239465340.jpg?ts=1762921347 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809625/w320xh180_GettyImages-2239465340.jpg?ts=1762921347 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809625/w640xh360_GettyImages-2239465340.jpg?ts=1762921347 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809625/w768xh432_GettyImages-2239465340.jpg?ts=1762921347 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809625/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2239465340.jpg?ts=1762921347 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">New York Yankees / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>There's no disputing that Raleigh had the best season ever for a catcher, but it wasn't better than Judge's campaign. This award is about determining the most valuable player overall, rather than the best at an individual position.</p><p>The Yankees outfielder led MLB in average, on-base percentage, slugging, OPS, and fWAR. He's only the sixth player to top MLB in all triple slash categories since 1943.</p><p>Judge won the batting crown by .020, led the league in OBP by .058 and slugging by .066, and recorded an OPS .131 higher than Ohtani, who finished second. Judge didn't just lead every category; he crushed every great hitter this season. That's almost hard to comprehend.</p><p>If we compare Judge to Raleigh offensively, the two players aren't even close. Raleigh outhomered Judge by seven, but the Yankees slugger still finished fourth in the majors with 53 home runs - a mark that's only been reached 36 times in MLB history. Judge also received 55 fewer at-bats than Raleigh, in part because he drew 124 walks, including an MLB-leading 36 intentional walks, compared to Raleigh's 17. The opposing managers told you who the more imposing hitter was.</p><p>Judge finished with an OPS that was .197 points better than Raleigh's, and his 204 wRC+ ranked as the ninth-highest mark since 1961. Seven of the eight players who have posted at least a 200 wRC+ won the MVP that season, with the exception being Mark McGwire, who finished second in 1998.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-maxbq" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/maxbq/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="403" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>Of course, the MVP isn't the best offensive player award, and defense is where many people lean toward Raleigh. Being a catcher is one of baseball's most underappreciated jobs, and Raleigh deserves enormous credit for the work he's done behind the plate and with the pitching staff. However, that shouldn't discredit the value Judge brought defensively.</p><p>An elbow flexor strain limited Judge to 95 games in right field and forced him to only DH for all of August. When he was in the outfield, Judge remained one of the best defensively at his position, ranking in the 86th percentile in outs above average, 85th percentile in arm strength, and 84th percentile in arm value, according to Baseball Savant. He also finished with three defensive runs saved, which isn't an elite number but illustrates that he was a positive presence with the glove.</p><p>Additionally, Judge deserves credit for playing through a pretty debilitating elbow injury. He missed only the minimum time on the IL, and even though he returned as the DH for a month, he slashed .305/.473/.634 with 16 home runs in 34 games with a bad elbow. Judge also played 15 of the Yankees' final 22 regular-season contests while injured in the outfield to help get Giancarlo Stanton's bat in the lineup.</p><p>When New York struggled in June and July, Judge kept them afloat, slashing .267/.396/.621. Then he posted a 1.546 OPS over the final three weeks of the season as the Yankees tried chasing down the Blue Jays to win the AL East title. Judge had an OPS over 1.000 in four of the six months and didn't see it dip below .923 in the other two. Meanwhile, Raleigh hit .194 in July and .173 in August.</p><p>Judge was the best and most consistent player throughout the season. Although Raleigh reached feats that no catcher has ever achieved, Judge accomplished things that few players in the history of the game have ever done, regardless of position. He should wake up Friday morning as a three-time AL MVP. <em>- Wile</em></p>

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Judge vs. Raleigh: Who should win AL MVP?

Fresh off winning his first career NL Cy Young Award, Paul Skenes reiterated his commitment to wi...

<p>Fresh off winning his first career NL Cy Young Award, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17521" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17521">Paul Skenes</a> reiterated his commitment to winning with the Pittsburgh Pirates instead of bolting for bigger - and potentially greener - pastures.</p><p>Whispers about Skenes' future in Pittsburgh grew louder Wednesday after <a href="https://www.nj.com/yankees/2025/11/paul-skenes-telling-teammates-he-wants-to-play-for-yankees-and-pirates-understand-it.html">Randy Miller of NJ.com</a> suggested that Skenes has been vocally pining for a move to the New York Yankees.</p><p>"Trust me, he wants to play for the Yankees," an anonymous Pirates teammate of Skenes' told Miller, adding that the right-hander is "hoping for a trade" to New York. "I've heard him say it multiple times."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Skenes flatly dismissed any notion that he's trying to leave Pittsburgh when asked about Miller's report after his <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3396175" href="https://thescore.com/news/3396175">historic</a> Cy Young win.</p><p>"I don't know where that came from," Skenes said Wednesday, according to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6803054/2025/11/12/pittsburgh-pirates-paul-skenes-new-york-yankees/">Stephen J. Nesbitt of The Athletic</a>. "I don't know the reporter. I don't know the player that supposedly said that. But the goal is to win, and the goal is to win in Pittsburgh."</p><p>"I'm on the Pirates. My goal is to win with the Pirates," he added, according to <a href="https://x.com/colin_beazley/status/1988793726437847306">Colin Beazley of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette</a>. "I love the city of Pittsburgh. The fans are hungry to have a winner in Pittsburgh, and I want to be part of the group that did that.</p><p>"The way that fans see us outside of Pittsburgh, we're not supposed to win. There are 29 fanbases that expect us to lose. I want to be part of the 26 guys that change that."</p><p>The Pirates, one of MLB's most historic and storied franchises, have spent much of the last three-plus decades in baseball purgatory. They've made the playoffs just three times in the wild-card era, winning just a single series - the 2013 NL wild-card game - in that span.</p><p>The Pirates have historically been frugal spenders in free agency, and have consistently fielded some of the lowest payrolls in MLB. Many of the team's biggest homegrown stars, including Barry Bonds, Gerrit Cole, and Andrew McCutchen, were either traded ahead of free agency or allowed to walk away. Skenes will become a free agent after the 2029 season.</p><p>There are signs that this year could finally be different, though. General manager Ben Cherington <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3395456" href="https://thescore.com/news/3395456">said</a> this week that he has "more (payroll) flexibility than we've had in other offseasons." The Bucs are apparently planning to spend in free agency this winter, sources told <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/pirates-could-be-free-agency-spenders-in-2025-26-offseason?adobe_mc=TS%253D1763003710%257CMCMID%253D70853843165870332536020834491846794798%257CMCORGID%253DA65F776A5245B01B0A490D44%2540AdobeOrg&amp;affiliateId=mlbapp-ios_webview_news-index&amp;rsid=mlbios.at.bat.new.implementation">Mark Feinsand of MLB.com</a>, although the extent to which they'll make a splash isn't clear.</p><p>Pittsburgh has its work cut out in order to become contenders in 2026. The team is coming off a 91-loss season that saw manager Derek Shelton fired in early May, with Skenes' award-winning year standing as the lone bright spot. But the ace is wholeheartedly embracing the challenge of righting the Pirates' ship in 2026 and beyond.</p><p>"It’s been 10 years, the second-longest playoff drought in the big leagues," Skenes said, per Nesbitt. "Someone can check my math on how many years it's been since we won a World Series: 46 years? Sorry, I went to LSU. Yeah, 46 years without a World Series championship.</p><p>"This is why I'm going to show up to the ballpark, and I'm going to work to get everybody pushing in the same direction. I know there are other guys who are going to do the same. That's all the truth."</p>

BALTIMORE, MD - SEPTEMBER 10: Paul Skenes #30 of the Pittsburgh Pirates celebrates an out during a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on September 10, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland.

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Skenes dismisses report of desire to join Yanks: 'I want to' win in Pittsburgh

Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal defended his title as the American League's best pitcher.  Skubal...

<p>Detroit Tigers ace <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/11799" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/11799">Tarik Skubal</a> defended his title as the American League's best pitcher.</p><p>Skubal won his second consecutive AL Cy Young Award on Wednesday, receiving 26 of 30 first-place votes to easily defeat Hunter Brown and Garrett Crochet for this year's honor.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="AL Cy Young" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-n5qNa" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/n5qNa/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="222" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>Skubal is the first repeat winner in the AL since Hall of Famer Pedro Martínez in 1999 and 2000. The left-hander also joins Sandy Koufax (1965-66), Randy Johnson (four straight from 1999-2002), and Clayton Kershaw (2013-14) as one of only four southpaws to earn the award in consecutive years.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 28-year-old was dominant in 2025, going 13-6 with 241 strikeouts, one shutout, and an AL-best 2.21 ERA and 2.45 FIP. He also led the majors in WHIP (0.89), BB/9 (1.5), and strikeout-to-walk ratio (7.30), while holding hitters to a meager .200 average over 195 1/3 innings.</p><p>This is the seventh time a Tigers pitcher has won the Cy Young, moving the franchise into a tie for the third-most winners since the award's inception in 1956. Skubal is the second Tigers hurler to claim the honor in back-to-back seasons, joining Denny McLain in 1968 and '69.</p><p>Skubal's latest win comes amid questions about his future in Detroit. He's one year away from free agency, and the Tigers are reportedly willing to at least listen to trade offers.</p><p>"Contract extension stuff is a little bit different, but trade stuff is out of my control," Skubal told reporters Wednesday, per <a href="https://x.com/EvanPetzold/status/1988780110485549106">Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press</a>. "I've given everything I have to this organization. I want to be a Tiger for a very long time. ... I love Detroit. Hopefully, I'm here. That's where I'm at with all of that."</p><p>Skubal and Crochet, who finished second, were the only pitchers named on all 30 ballots. New York Yankees left-hander Max Fried and Seattle Mariners righty Bryan Woo rounded out the top five.</p><p>Carlos Rodón, Aroldis Chapman, Jacob deGrom, Trevor Rogers, and Drew Rasmussen all received some down-ballot votes.</p>

DETROIT, MI - JUNE 29: Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal (29) reacts after striking out Minnesota Twins shortstop Carlos Correa (not pictured) to end the first inning of a regular season Major League Baseball game between the Minnesota Twins and the Detroit Tigers on June 29, 2025 at Comerica Park in Detroit, Michigan.

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Tigers' Skubal wins 2nd straight AL Cy Young

Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes capped his historic sophomore season by winning the 2025 NL Cy...

<p>Pittsburgh Pirates ace <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17521" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17521">Paul Skenes</a> capped his historic sophomore season by winning the 2025 NL Cy Young Award.</p><p>Skenes was the unanimous victor over Cristopher Sánchez and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. He's the 16th NL pitcher to win the award unanimously. Sánchez received all 30 second-place votes.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="NL Cy Young" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-Od0q6" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/Od0q6/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="222" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>Skenes joins Dwight Gooden and Fernando Valenzuela as the only pitchers to win both Rookie of the Year and a Cy Young in each of their first two seasons. Gooden won NL Rookie of the Year in 1984 and the NL Cy Young in 1985, while Valenzuela won both awards in 1981.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 23-year-old is just the third Pirates pitcher to win a Cy Young, joining Vernon Law in 1960 and Doug Drabek in 1990.</p><p>At 10-10, Skenes is also the first starting pitcher to ever win the award with a won-loss record of .500 or worse. His 10 wins equal the record for fewest victories by a Cy Young-winning starter set by Jacob deGrom in 2018.</p><p>The won-loss record clearly meant nothing to voters, as Skenes rose above his 91-loss Pirates team to dominate hitters in both leagues. He posted an MLB-best 1.97 ERA, 217 ERA+, and 2.36 FIP, along with 216 strikeouts and an NL-low 0.95 WHIP over 32 starts. He allowed just 11 home runs in 187 2/3 innings, helping produce an MLB-best 0.5 HR/9 rate.</p><p>Skenes also ranked top-10 in the NL in K/9 (10.4), BB/9 (2.0), strikeout-to-walk ratio (5.14).</p><p>San Francisco's Logan Webb and Milwaukee's Freddy Peralta finished in fourth and fifth place, respectively. Nick Pivetta, Jesús Luzardo, Andrew Abbott, and Zack Wheeler also received down-ballot support.</p>

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 23: Paul Skenes #30 of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitches during the first inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at PNC Park on May 23, 2025 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

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Pirates' Skenes wins NL Cy Young in 2nd MLB season

The market for Devin Williams is heating up early in free agency.  The Los Angeles Dodgers, Bosto...

<p>The market for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wbc/players/11736" href="https://thescore.com/wbc/players/11736">Devin Williams</a> is heating up early in free agency.</p><p>The Los Angeles Dodgers, Boston Red Sox, and Cincinnati Reds are among around 12 teams that've expressed interest in the right-handed reliever, sources told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6801354/2025/11/12/mlb-free-agents-devin-williams/">Will Sammon of The Athletic</a>.</p><p>The Red Sox already have All-Star closer <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/1366" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/1366">Aroldis Chapman</a> but could pair him with Williams to create a formidable one-two punch to finish games. Meanwhile, the Reds have a hole in their bullpen with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wbc/players/4500" href="https://thescore.com/wbc/players/4500">Emilio Pagán</a> testing free agency.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Dodgers and Williams appear to have mutual interest, sources told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6799426/2025/11/11/dodgers-devin-williams-mlb-offseason/">Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic</a>.</p><p>Williams is one of the top bullpen arms on the open market this winter, though he's coming off a down season with the New York Yankees. The Yankees acquired the 31-year-old from the Milwaukee Brewers last winter with hopes of making him their closer, only to see him post a career-worst 4.79 ERA along with a 1.12 WHIP and just 18 saves in 67 appearances.</p><p>However, there were still a few positive signs for Williams in 2025. He finished the season with 90 strikeouts and a 13.1 K/9 rate, while his 3.6 BB/9 rate was his lowest in five years. Williams also performed well down the stretch and didn't allow a run over his final 13 outings of the year, including the postseason.</p><p>The two-time All-Star would be a boon for the Dodgers if he's able to rediscover his old form. Over six seasons in Milwaukee, he tallied a 1.83 ERA and 1.02 WHIP with 68 saves while winning two Trevor Hoffman NL Reliever of the Year awards and the 2020 NL Rookie of the Year.</p><p>The Dodgers are seeking more late-inning firepower to boost a bullpen that boasts big names but often sprung leaks during the season. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5525" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5525">Tanner Scott</a>'s 23 saves led the team in 2025 despite an otherwise ineffective campaign. Scott and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3735" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3735">Kirby Yates</a>, L.A.'s two significant bullpen additions from last winter, missed the team's postseason run because of injuries.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/19077" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/19077">Roki Sasaki</a> broke out as a closer in the playoffs, but it's not yet clear whether he'll remain in the bullpen or return to the rotation going forward. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/11916" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/11916">Alex Vesia</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3013" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3013">Blake Treinen</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/16215" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/16215">Jack Dreyer</a> are among the key relievers expected to return next year, while <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/10562" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10562">Brusdar Graterol</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8784" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8784">Evan Phillips</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8114" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8114">Brock Stewart</a> could return from injuries at some point in 2026.</p><p>The free-spending Dodgers are currently projected to have an Opening Day payroll slightly north of $256 million, according to <a href="https://legacy.baseballprospectus.com/compensation/cots/nl-west/los-angeles-dodgers/">Cot's Contracts</a>. Los Angeles sported the majors' highest payroll last year and should have room to add money with free agents, such as Yates, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4772" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4772">Michael Conforto</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2083" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2083">Miguel Rojas</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2444" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2444">Kiké Hernández</a>, coming off the books.</p>

NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 07: Devin Williams #38 of the New York Yankees reacts during the game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium on October 7, 2025 in New York, New York.

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Report: Dodgers, Red Sox, Reds eyeing Devin Williams

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Simon Sharkey-Gotlieb

News Editor

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Brandon Wile

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