NEW YORK, NY – July 11, 2025 – As the 2025 MLB season hits its stride, the pursuit of the coveted batting title remains a compelling narrative, showcasing the league’s most consistent and disciplined hitters. This year, familiar faces are at the top, but some surprising contenders are also making their mark.
American League Batting Title: Aaron Judge Leading a Competitive Field
The American League batting title race is currently spearheaded by one of baseball’s most powerful hitters, who is also proving to be one of its most consistent.
- Aaron Judge (RF, New York Yankees): The Yankees’ superstar slugger is having an MVP-caliber season, not just with his prodigious power, but also with an incredibly high batting average. Judge currently leads the American League with a .356 batting average. His remarkable ability to consistently get on base and hit for average, combined with his league-leading home run totals, makes him a dual threat and the clear frontrunner for the batting crown.
- Jacob Wilson (SS, Oakland Athletics): The rookie shortstop has been a revelation for the Athletics and was firmly in second place before a recent injury. Wilson was hitting .335 through 85 games, demonstrating exceptional contact skills. His return from a hand injury and continued performance will be key to whether he can rejoin the top of this competitive race.
- Jonathan Aranda (1B, Tampa Bay Rays): A surprising name in the mix, Aranda is having a breakout season. He currently sits near the top of the AL, batting .326 with a strong on-base percentage, proving to be a consistent threat at the plate for the Rays.
- Jeremy Peña (SS, Houston Astros): Before a fractured rib sidelined him, the Astros shortstop was putting together an outstanding offensive season, batting .322. His return to health will determine if he can re-enter the conversation for the title.
- Other Contenders: Several other players are hitting well over .300 and could make a run. This includes Astros outfielder Jake Meyers (.308), Blue Jays catcher Alejandro Kirk (.306), Royals third baseman Maikel Garcia (.305), and Guardians third baseman José RamÃrez (.301). Reigning batting champ Bobby Witt Jr. (SS, Kansas City Royals) is hitting a respectable .295, showing he could still make a charge.
National League Batting Title: Will Smith Holding Strong Lead
The National League batting title race sees a top-tier catcher leading the charge, with a few perennial threats and emerging sluggers in hot pursuit.
- Will Smith (C, Los Angeles Dodgers): The Dodgers’ star catcher has established himself as one of the best-hitting catchers in baseball, and he’s taken his offensive game to another level in 2025. Smith currently leads the National League in batting average, hitting .326. His consistent contact, plate discipline, and ability to hit for both average and power make him a prime candidate to claim his first batting title.
- Freddie Freeman (1B, Los Angeles Dodgers): Smith’s teammate and a perennial batting title contender, Freddie Freeman is consistently among the league’s best hitters. He is currently batting .299, just shy of the .300 mark, and is always a threat to go on a hitting streak and climb the leaderboard.
- Michael Busch (1B, Chicago Cubs): The young Cubs slugger has been a revelation, hitting .297 with impressive power (18 home runs). His strong offensive capabilities make him a solid contender in this race.
- Josh Naylor (1B/DH, Arizona Diamondbacks): Naylor is having a productive season at the plate, batting .296. He’s a key offensive piece for the D-backs and is showing the consistency needed to stay in the batting title conversation.
- Other Contenders: The NL has a deep pool of hitters performing at a high level. Trea Turner (SS, Philadelphia Phillies) and Brendan Donovan (2B, St. Louis Cardinals) are both hitting .294. While typically known for his contact-hitting prowess, Luis Arráez (1B, San Diego Padres), a two-time batting champion, is currently hitting .289 and always a threat to get hot. Manny Machado (3B, San Diego Padres) is also hitting .287, showcasing his consistent offensive game.
As the second half unfolds, the competition for these batting crowns will undoubtedly intensify, with every hit carrying significant weight in the race for individual glory.
