The 2025 MLB season was nothing short of extraordinary, delivering moments that will echo through baseball history. From jaw-dropping plays to record-breaking performances, this season had it all. But here's the kicker: the Dodgers' back-to-back World Series wins topped the list of Capital One Plays of the Year, leaving fans and critics alike in awe. Let's dive into the highlights that made this season unforgettable.
1. Dodgers' Historic World Series Repeat
Imagine the pressure of a Game 7, the score tied, and the weight of a championship on the line. In a heart-stopping finale, the Dodgers clinched their second consecutive World Series title against the Blue Jays. Yoshinobu Yamamoto, pitching on zero rest after a Game 6 victory, induced a game-ending double play, sealing the deal in the 11th inning. Talk about clutch!
2. Will Smith’s Championship-Clinching Homer
And this is the part most people miss—Will Smith’s 11th-inning home run in Game 7 wasn’t just memorable; it was statistically one of the most impactful homers in MLB history. With the Dodgers trailing, Smith’s go-ahead blast swung the championship win probability dramatically in their favor. A true game-changer.
3. Ohtani’s Two-Way Masterclass in the NLCS
Shohei Ohtani’s Game 4 performance against the Brewers was nothing short of legendary. Three monstrous home runs (446, 469, and 427 feet) at the plate, paired with 10 strikeouts in six scoreless innings on the mound? It’s no wonder he earned NLCS MVP honors. But here’s a thought: Was this the greatest individual game ever played? Let’s debate that in the comments.
4. Nick Kurtz’s Four-Homer Night
On July 25, Nick Kurtz, the eventual American League Rookie of the Year, put on a show in Houston. Going 6-for-6 with four home runs, Kurtz became the first rookie to achieve this feat. His 36 home runs and 1.002 OPS in 117 games cemented his status as a future star. Talk about making a statement!
5. Freddie Freeman’s 18th-Inning Heroics
Freddie Freeman has a knack for World Series magic. After his 2024 walk-off grand slam, he delivered again in ‘25 with an 18th-inning solo homer in Game 3. This made him the first player with multiple walk-off home runs in the Fall Classic. But here’s a controversial take: Is Freeman the most clutch World Series player ever? Share your thoughts below.
6. Miguel Rojas’s Unlikely Game-Tying Blast
In Game 7, Miguel Rojas became an unlikely hero. With the Dodgers trailing in the ninth, Rojas crushed a game-tying home run off Blue Jays closer Jeff Hoffman. Rojas, who barely played in October until the end, showcased the depth of the Dodgers’ championship run. Sometimes, heroes come from the most unexpected places.
7. Denzel Clarke’s Home Run Robbery
Denzel Clarke’s 2025 season was a highlight reel, but his home run robbery against Nolan Schanuel on June 10 stood out. Scaling the wall, Clarke robbed Schanuel of a sure home run, leaving fans in Anaheim stunned. Defensive plays don’t get much better than this.
8. Cal Raleigh’s 60-Homer Milestone
Cal Raleigh’s 60-home run season was historic. On September 24, he hit his 59th and 60th homers, becoming just the seventh player in MLB history to reach this mark. As a full-time catcher, his .948 OPS and 9.1 WAR earned him a second-place AL MVP finish. But here’s a question: Is Raleigh the most underrated player in baseball?
9. Daulton Varsho’s Behind-the-Back Catch
Varsho’s defensive prowess is well-known, but his April 29 catch against the Red Sox was next-level. After tripping, he recovered to make a behind-the-back grab that even he couldn’t believe. It’s moments like these that remind us why baseball is the greatest game on earth.
10. Kyle Schwarber’s Four-Homer Game
Kyle Schwarber’s power is unmatched, and his four-homer game on August 28 proved it. Becoming the 21st player to achieve this feat, Schwarber even had a chance for a fifth homer but fell short. Still, it was a performance for the ages.
Beyond the Top 10: Unforgettable Moments
From Andy Pages’ leaping grab in Game 7 to Wilyer Abreu and Rafaela’s teamwork on a tipped catch, the season was packed with highlights. And let’s not forget Ohtani’s 55th home run, breaking his own Dodgers record. Each play tells a story, but which one resonated with you the most?
This season wasn’t just about records; it was about the moments that made us cheer, gasp, and debate. What was your favorite play of the year? Let’s keep the conversation going in the comments!
