Full Breakdown
2025 AL MVP Race: Cal Raleigh vs. Aaron Judge
9/26/2025, 7:31:41 AM
Historic Power Surge in MLB
The 2025 Major League Baseball season has witnessed an unprecedented display of power hitting, with four players surpassing 50 home runs, tying an MLB record. Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh has emerged as a standout, hitting his 60th home run, while New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge has also surpassed the 50-homer mark, currently sitting at 51. This season marks a significant moment in baseball history, as Raleigh's achievement makes him the first catcher to hit 60 home runs in a single season, placing him among an elite group of only seven players to reach this milestone.
The MVP Contenders
As the regular season nears its conclusion, the American League MVP race has narrowed to a contest between Raleigh and Judge. Raleigh leads the league in home runs and RBIs, while Judge excels in several key offensive categories, including batting average and on-base percentage. Despite Raleigh's historic season, Judge's consistent performance over the past several years has made him a formidable contender. Experts have noted that while Raleigh's achievements are remarkable, Judge's overall statistical superiority and his role in the Yankees' success give him an edge in the MVP conversation.
Official Statements & Responses
Salvador Perez, catcher for the Kansas City Royals, expressed his support for Raleigh, stating, “I think he’s the MVP of the American League... to be a catcher and prepare the game plan, help the pitcher, catch well, throw well and hit 50-plus homers? Ha!” However, many analysts argue that Judge's comprehensive offensive metrics, including a significant lead in OPS, make him the more deserving candidate. Nico Hoerner of the Chicago Cubs emphasized the importance of Judge's performance, noting the substantial gap in OPS between the two players.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics of Raleigh's MVP candidacy point to his lower batting average and overall offensive production compared to Judge. While Raleigh's home run total is impressive, some argue that Judge's consistent excellence over multiple seasons and his ability to impact games significantly outweigh Raleigh's achievements this year. Additionally, Judge's role as a leader for the Yankees, who have secured a playoff berth, contrasts with Raleigh's contributions to a Mariners team that has also performed well but was not expected to contend for the division title.
What's Next
With only a few games remaining in the regular season, Raleigh has the opportunity to further solidify his MVP case by potentially breaking Judge's single-season home run record of 62. As both players prepare for the playoffs, the outcome of the MVP race remains uncertain, with voters likely to weigh both players' contributions heavily in their final decisions.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It’s crazy. 60 is — I don’t know what to say,” — Cal Raleigh, Seattle Mariners
- “I think he’s the MVP of the American League,” — Salvador Perez, Kansas City Royals
- “There’s sometimes a fatigue that sets in with players who consistently perform at a high level,” — Nico Hoerner, Chicago Cubs
The 2025 AL MVP race encapsulates the excitement of baseball, highlighting the extraordinary talents of both Cal Raleigh and Aaron Judge as they vie for one of the sport's most prestigious honors.
