The 2025 MLB home run race is heating up with two months left in the regular season as top contenders start to emerge. Kyle Schwarber of the Philadelphia Phillies delivered a powerful statement by hitting two home runs in his recent game against the Baltimore Orioles, including a pivotal Grand Slam in the sixth inning. This performance allowed Schwarber to edge past Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers in the home run standings, adding fresh excitement to the ongoing Shohei Ohtani home run race.
Tight Battle Among the Leading Sluggers
After Schwarber’s latest hits, his total reached 40 home runs, surpassing Ohtani’s 38. Schwarber’s ability to respond under pressure—coming to bat with two outs in a favorable game situation—demonstrates his determination not to be overshadowed. Both players remain in pursuit of the current leader, Cal Raleigh of the Detroit Tigers, who has 42 home runs and is the favorite to claim the 2025 home run title. Raleigh’s impressive tally puts him on pace to potentially break the 60-home run mark, joining an elite group of players like Babe Ruth, Roger Maris, and Aaron Judge who have achieved this legendary milestone.
Historical Context and the Race for Glory
The 60-home run benchmark is one of the most revered in baseball history. Legend Babe Ruth first reached it in 1927, with Roger Maris hitting 61 in 1961 and Aaron Judge setting a record with 62 in 2022 in the American League. In the National League, players such as Sammy Sosa, Mark McGwire, and Barry Bonds—who surpassed 70 home runs—have marked the history books. Raleigh’s current pace suggests he could join this distinguished group by season’s end, intensifying the competition against both Schwarber and Ohtani.
Recap of the Previous Season’s Champions and Outlook
Aaron Judge was the 2024 MLB home run champion, finishing with 58 home runs for the New York Yankees. Despite an elbow injury that sidelined him for the last 10 games, Judge remains a formidable figure in the 2025 race, standing fourth with 37 home runs. He is expected to return to the lineup on August 5 against the Kansas City Royals. Last year, Shohei Ohtani finished second in the MLB with 54 home runs, thrilling baseball fans with one of the sport’s most exciting battles. The competition between these hitters promises to keep fans eagerly watching throughout the remainder of the 2025 season.