Who’s the Cubs’ MVP in 2025?
The 2025 MLB season has the Chicago Cubs playing with swagger, purpose, and legitimate playoff aspirations.
After years of retooling, Wrigleyville finally feels electric again.
The roster blends veterans, breakout stars, and homegrown talent, creating the type of team fans believe can go deep into October.
But with so many standout performances, one debate dominates the bleachers and barrooms: who is the Cubs’ MVP in 2025?
Let’s break down the top candidates and see who makes the strongest case for the honor.
Dansby Swanson: The Defensive Maestro
Dansby Swanson is the kind of shortstop every franchise dreams about. He anchors the infield with Gold Glove defense, turning difficult plays into routine highlights.
Pitchers breathe easier knowing Swanson has their back, and his presence prevents runs that never show up on stat sheets. But he’s not just a glove; he brings clutch hitting, timely doubles, and steady power to the lineup.
His ability to grind out at-bats, frustrate pitchers, and deliver in pressure situations makes him one of the most balanced players in the game.
His leadership is equally important. Swanson sets the tone in the clubhouse with a no-nonsense approach that raises the standard for everyone around him.
Younger players look up to his example, veterans respect his consistency, and fans appreciate his competitive spirit. In 2025, he embodies the heartbeat of the Chicago Cubs.
The Case for Swanson: Swanson’s value comes from being the team’s anchor. Defense at shortstop changes games, and his leadership in the clubhouse elevates the entire roster. For many fans, MVP means “most irreplaceable,” and Swanson fits that definition perfectly.
Nico Hoerner: The Spark Plug
Nico Hoerner is all about energy. He hustles on every play, making him the type of player who changes games with effort as much as skill.
At the plate, he sprays line drives, works counts, and delivers consistent contact that sets up the middle of the order. On the bases, his speed adds a dynamic element, creating headaches for opposing pitchers.
Defensively, Hoerner shines at second base, turning slick double plays and flashing range. His versatility even allows him to shift around the infield when needed. But what truly separates him is his relentlessness; he never takes a pitch off.
In 2025, Hoerner’s consistency and fire keep the Chicago Cubs humming, making him not just a contributor but the spark that lights the engine of this lineup. His fingerprints are on almost every rally, a true testament to his value.
The Case for Hoerner: Hoerner impacts every facet of the game, offense, defense, and baserunning. His relentless energy keeps the Cubs alive in close contests. For those who believe MVPs should be judged by consistency and spark, Hoerner is the top choice.
Ian Happ: The Reliable Producer
Every team needs stability, and Ian Happ delivers it. Year after year, he anchors the Cubs’ offense with a balanced mix of power and contact. His switch-hitting ability gives manager Craig Counsell flexibility, while his knack for delivering in pressure moments keeps him indispensable in the lineup.
Happ also provides value in the outfield, patrolling left field with dependable defense. He may not always grab headlines, but his consistency (aside from an oblique injury in May 2025, which sidelined him for at least three consecutive games) is precisely what championship teams need. Over a grueling 162-game season, that reliability is priceless.
For bettors and fans following trends in MLB odds, Happ is precisely the type of steady producer who swings outcomes. In 2025, his ability to deliver across months of play makes him a cornerstone of the Chicago Cubs’ push for October baseball.
The Case for Happ: Happ doesn’t just produce numbers; he provides reliability. Over 162 games, his presence steadies the lineup. In a sport built on long-term endurance, Happ’s steady bat and glove make him the quiet but convincing MVP candidate.
Shota Imanaga: The International Sensation
Shota Imanaga brings flair, precision, and poise to the Chicago Cubs’ rotation. The Japanese left-hander arrived with high expectations, and in 2025, he continues to exceed them.
His pitching style is a blend of finesse and firepower, spotting corners with surgical accuracy while mixing in a deceptive fastball and devastating off-speed arsenal. Hitters rarely get comfortable against him, and his ability to change speeds makes him one of the toughest pitchers to square up.
Beyond the numbers, Imanaga energizes the Cubs with his presence. Every start feels like an event, drawing fans eager to watch his artistry on the mound. He thrives in big-game moments, bringing international experience and composure that elevates the entire rotation.
For a Cubs team chasing October glory, Imanaga is not just a key starter; he’s a game-changer whose consistency and confidence give Chicago a legitimate chance to dominate in the postseason.
The Case for Imanaga: Dominant pitching wins in October, and Shota Imanaga gives the Cubs exactly that. His command, deception, and ability to thrive under pressure change the momentum of the entire series. For many fans, his international pedigree and clutch performances make him the team’s true MVP in 2025.
Defining an MVP is never simple. Baseball offers numerous ways to measure success, including batting averages, OPS, ERA, and WAR; however, value often extends beyond these numbers. Leadership, consistency, and intangibles matter just as much.
A Good Problem to Have
The fact that the Chicago Cubs have four legitimate MVP candidates tells you everything about their resurgence in 2025. Whether it’s Swanson’s leadership, Hoerner’s spark, Happ’s reliability, or Steele’s dominance, the Cubs’ strength lies in balance.
Fans may argue over the MVP crown all season, but one thing is abundantly clear: the Cubs are back, and Wrigleyville is alive with hope.
Whoever claims the unofficial MVP title, the real winners are the fans watching this team make noise once again.
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Categorized:Cubs WegENT Blog