The New York Yankees enter the 2025 MLB season with high expectations, even after the departure of Juan Soto. A significant reason for this optimism is Aaron Judge, the Yankees’ captain, who blasted 59 home runs last year. Judge was unanimously named the American League MVP, beating out Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. However, a preseason poll conducted by The Athletic staff predicts Witt will dethrone Judge and claim his first MVP Award.

“The American League hasn’t had a back-to-back MVP winner since Miguel Cabrera in 2012 and 2013. That might explain why only five of our writers picked Aaron Judge to win the MVP this season,” Chad Jennings wrote.

“Instead, our writers are all-in on Bobby Witt Jr., who’s coming off his own elite season, one of the greatest ever by a shortstop. Witt secured 18 of 33 votes for AL MVP. Gunnar Henderson received three votes, and no other player—aside from Judge—garnered more than two,” he continued.

The Yankees will need Judge to deliver another MVP-caliber season if they hope to contend for the AL pennant. Just look at 2023, when he suffered a foot injury at Dodger Stadium and the team missed the playoffs as a result.

Other notable names in the poll include Corey Seager, Julio Rodriguez, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Jose Ramirez, and Isaac Paredes, who each received votes but were not considered frontrunners.

Can Aaron Judge Repeat as American League MVP?

Witt had an outstanding season with the Royals last year, leading the majors with a .332 batting average and racking up 211 hits. Entering his age-25 season, he carries the weight of Kansas City’s expectations on his shoulders. While he is also an elite defensive shortstop, it wasn’t enough to surpass Judge in last year’s MVP race.

Judge, by many metrics, delivered one of the greatest seasons ever by a right-handed hitter. The Yankees captain, who played center field last season, crushed 58 home runs while posting a 1.159 OPS. This year, he returns to his natural right field position, where his defensive play should improve.

If Judge produces numbers similar to last season, he will likely secure another AL MVP title. Another 35 home runs would bring him to 350 for his career in his tenth season—a milestone that could influence voters who appreciate round-number achievements.

While Witt is widely expected to win an AL MVP at some point in his career, Judge remains the favorite unless injuries derail his campaign. Witt’s speed and all-around game give him a slight edge in versatility, but if Judge remains healthy, he will be difficult to surpass. However, if Judge misses time, Witt will be well-positioned to take over as the MVP frontrunner.