Oct 7, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge (99) hits a three-run home run in the fourth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays during game three of the ALDS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
New York Yankees slugger and captain Aaron Judge is able to add yet another to the long list of accolades beside his name. The 10-year Yankee and seven-time All Star has been named the recipient of the 2025 American League Hank Aaron Award.
The Hank Aaron award, which was first introduced in 1999 to commemorate Hank Aaron surpassing Babe Ruth’s all-time home run record, goes to the best offensive player in each league. The recipients are determined based on a combination of fan votes and a panel of Hall of Famers, according to MLB.com.
Along with Judge, who won the award twice before in 2024 and 2022, the National League recipient for the 2025 award is Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani. This marks Ohtani’s third consecutive Hank Aaron Award.
Judge, who was also awarded the 2025 AL MVP Award and named to the 2025 All-MLB AL team, had another outstanding season for the Yankees, taking home the AL batting title as well. Despite a midseason right elbow injury that kept him out for a brief period of time late July, Judge slashed a .331/ .457/ .688 for an OPS of 1.145 during the regular season. He also slammed 53 home runs, second only to Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh for the most in the AL.
Judge is among elite company, as one of only three Yankees legends to win the award. Both Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez received the award multiple times, with Jeter’s two wins both coming as a Yankee and Rodriguez’s four with the Pinstripes as well as the Texas Rangers.
In an interview reacting to the announcements of his latest accomplishments, Judge gave major praise to the players that came before him and the team that has made him a legend.
“When you go back and look at the list of all the great players who have worn Pinstripes: Hall of Famers, future Hall of Famers, World Series champions, the list goes on and on of who’s come through New York,” he said. “You’re out there chasing GOATs, it’s incredible.”
Judge is showing no signs of slowing down, even as he enters his 11th year in the major leagues. While he still hasn’t accomplished the ultimate goal of winning a World Series, there are likely many years left in what is already a historic career.
“This is the game that will define our season. We know the Chiefs are the gold standard in the AFC, but we’re ready to show we belong at that level.”
— Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts Running Back
The Indianapolis Colts are making their presence felt in the 2025 season, sitting atop the AFC with a stellar 8-2 record, but their toughest test is yet to come. After a much-needed bye week, the Colts are gearing up for a monumental matchup against the reigning AFC champions, the Kansas City Chiefs, in Week 12. The stakes are higher than ever, and this game has quickly become one of the most anticipated of the week.
The Colts’ clash with the Chiefs is being treated as a marquee game, and CBS has pulled out all the stops by assigning its top broadcast team—Jim Nantz and Tony Romo—to call the action. The network’s decision to give this game its A-team, despite the 1 p.m. start time, speaks volumes about how significant this matchup is. With the Chiefs and Colts among the top Super Bowl contenders, this is more than just a regular season game—it’s a must-watch event.
Nantz and Romo, well-versed in calling high-stakes Chiefs games, will bring their expert commentary to this exciting showdown, adding even more anticipation to what is sure to be an electric game. For Colts fans, it’s a chance to prove that their team is not just a playoff contender but a serious Super Bowl threat.
For Indianapolis, Week 12 could be a defining moment in their 2025 season. Coming off a dominant start to the year, they now face the Chiefs, one of the most dominant teams in the NFL. This game will test their ability to compete with the league’s elite. If the Colts can secure a win on the road in Kansas City, it would solidify their status as a legitimate contender in the AFC.
“This is the game that will define our season,” said Colts running back Jonathan Taylor. “We know the Chiefs are the gold standard in the AFC, but we’re ready to show we belong at that level.”
With a roster packed with talent, including MVP-caliber quarterback Josh Allen and a defense that’s quietly become one of the league’s toughest, the Colts are more than capable of taking down the Chiefs. However, they will need to play their best football to overcome Mahomes and company, who have dominated the AFC for years.
With a stacked Week 12 schedule, including high-profile primetime games like the Texans vs. Bills on Thursday Night Football and the Rams vs. Buccaneers on Sunday Night Football, this Colts vs. Chiefs game is still drawing the most attention. Despite the jam-packed slate, the Colts have earned their spot as one of the top games of the week, and they’re ready to rise to the occasion.
Indy’s push for the playoffs—and perhaps a Super Bowl appearance—starts with this pivotal matchup. It’s not just about winning; it’s about showing the league that the Colts are more than just a team to watch—they are a force to be reckoned with. This is their chance to prove it, and the world will be watching.
As Jonathan Taylor put it, “We’re ready to show we belong at that level.” The Colts have the talent, the drive, and the hunger to make this game count. Now it’s time to deliver.
Don’t miss the action—this game could change the trajectory of the entire NFL season.