Celebrating MLB's Elite with Betting Eyes

Silver Daisy Season: Celebrating MLB's Elite with Betting Eyes Wide Open

It’s award season, baby. Not the Oscars or the ESPYs. We’re talking about the most prestigious title in baseball that you’ve never heard of until now — the Silver Daisy. This isn’t your average pat-on-the-back trophy. This is for the guys who showed up, showed out, and made bettors and fans alike sit up in their seats all season long. With three of baseball’s brightest stars — Cal Raleigh, Aaron Judge, and Shohei Ohtani — taking top honors, it’s time to dig into who stood out in 2025 and how it all shakes up the betting boards heading into next season.

Catchers, Bashers, and Daisy Flashers

Let’s start with Cal Raleigh, who pulled off one of the most electrifying seasons we’ve ever seen from a catcher. He launched 60 bombs, drove in 125 RBIs, and walked nearly 100 times across 159 games. That’s not just All-Star stuff — that’s "write it down in the catcher history books" material. With most of his games behind the plate and the rest as DH, Raleigh was a constant presence. For bettors, he was the kind of player who consistently crushed over props and stayed hot in DFS builds.

While guys like Shay Langeliers had strong seasons, 2025 was the Year of Big Dumper. If you’re looking to future bet on AL MVP dark horses or catcher-specific props next year, Raleigh’s name has to be near the top of the list — even if regression is possible, the power is real and the volume is unmatched.

First Things First: Nick Kurtz Is That Dude

At first base, Nick Kurtz burst onto the scene like a Vegas glow-up in cleats. Despite playing just 117 games, he smashed 36 home runs and looked every bit like a future superstar. If he didn’t make your radar this season, go ahead and circle him now for 2026 AL MVP futures — because the league didn’t figure him out, he figured out the league.

Other first basemen like Vlad Guerrero Jr. and Jonathan Aranda had strong campaigns, but it was Kurtz who had bettors cashing home run props on the regular. His power numbers were obscene, and if he can stretch that over a full season, he’s going to be a problem — for pitchers and sportsbooks alike.

Jazz Hands and Daisy Dances at Second Base

Second base saw a heated race, but Jazz Chisholm Jr. tap-danced his way to the Silver Daisy with a 30-30 season that combined power, speed, and swagger. He led the position in slugging, had one of the highest OPS marks, and played solid defense. That combo is gold for fantasy managers and prop bettors. He missed some time, but even with a couple weeks off, no one touched his overall production.

The debate was alive and well between Jazz, Brandon Lowe, and Glaber Torres, but when you put all the tools together — swipes, pop, glove, and vibes — Jazz was the clear winner. Heading into next year, his stock is sky-high, and he’s a must-watch for total bases and stolen base props.

Shortstops: Perdomo Plants His Flag

Shortstop was a wild ride. Between Bobby Witt Jr., Jeremy Peña, and Francisco Lindor, there was no shortage of talent. But it was Geraldo Perdomo who quietly put together the most complete season of them all. He played 161 games, posted an elite .851 OPS, walked more than he struck out, drove in 100 runs, and swiped 27 bags. He was the stat-sheet stuffer that flew under the radar but made a huge impact.

Perdomo’s balanced output makes him a sneaky-good value in futures markets next year, especially with his ability to hit both righties and lefties effectively. While bigger names may soak up the spotlight, don’t be surprised if Perdomo keeps cashing tickets for sharp bettors who know where to look.

Judge, Julio, and the Big Bats in the Outfield

No surprises in the outfield: Aaron Judge, Julio Rodríguez, and Cedric Mullins all made strong cases, with Judge leading the charge. He was a monster again, doing Judge things — towering homers, relentless OBP, and game-changing plays. He remains the safest bet in baseball when healthy, and his MVP odds for 2026 should start short and stay there.

Julio continued to grow into a franchise cornerstone, while Mullins brought speed and defense to the party. For bettors, Julio’s breakout potential keeps rising. If he adds just a bit more power to his already dynamic game, he could leap into MVP-level territory in the next season or two.

Designated Hitters and Utility Kings

Shohei Ohtani, who also took home a Silver Daisy, locked down the DH spot with another absurdly productive year. While he didn’t pitch in 2025, his offensive output still made him a top-three player in all of baseball. He’s a unicorn, and even without the mound work, he’s still worth MVP consideration. Bettors know the drill — Ohtani props are often juiced, but he still beats them.

Utility was a tight race between Vlad Guerrero Jr. and Cody Bellinger, and while both had solid seasons, their versatility didn’t shine quite as brightly as their bat skills. Will Smith and Michael Garcia also got buzz, but next year’s utility race could be even more competitive with more two-way players rising.

Pitching In: Scuba Dives into Glory

Tarik Skubal snagged the Silver Daisy for pitchers, proving yet again that quality starts and consistency still matter. He may not have the flash of a Spencer Strider or the name recognition of a Gerrit Cole, but he was nails all season long. Bettors who backed his strikeout props or team win totals likely walked away happy more often than not.

Tyler Mahle might be the most underrated name in free agency, and if he lands in the right spot, he could be a sneaky pick for comeback player props or win totals. Keep an eye on him as the offseason develops.

National League Highlights: Who’s Got Next?

In the NL, Bryce Turang edged out Nico Hoerner and Ketel Marte at second base with a breakout season that showed improvements across the board. While he still strikes out more than you’d like, the power, speed, and run production were all there. He’s an intriguing player to track for next year’s breakout candidate bets.

At shortstop, Geraldo Perdomo also took the NL crown with a beautifully balanced season. And yes, he doubled up — a rare feat that reflects just how good he really was. Francisco Lindor and Trea Turner had strong years, but Perdomo’s all-around excellence set him apart.

Manny Machado reminded everyone he’s still a force at third base, while the outfield was highlighted by Corbin Carroll and Fernando Tatis Jr., with Jung-Hoo Lee making waves as well. All three are strong DFS and prop targets moving forward, especially Tatis with his elite defense and bounce-back bat.

Takeaways: Bet Smart, Bet Silver Daisy

• Cal Raleigh is a top-tier catcher to target in home run props and MVP futures.
• Nick Kurtz is a rising star — get in on the hype early before the lines adjust.
• Jazz Chisholm Jr. brings power and speed — a fantasy and prop betting dream.
• Geraldo Perdomo is the sleeper you didn’t bet on this year — don’t miss out next time.
• Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani remain betting staples for totals and MVPs.
• Tarik Skubal and Bryce Turang are value targets for win totals and breakout props.

So whether you’re a fantasy junkie, a prop line shark, or just someone who loves great baseball, remember the names of the 2025 Silver Daisy winners. They didn’t just play well — they dominated. And if you’re looking to get an edge for next season, these are the guys to keep an eye on. After all, daisy pickers know best.