Cal Raleigh Deserved 2025 AL MVP Over Aaron Judge
In the 2025 MLB season, Cal Raleigh of the Seattle Mariners put forth a historic performance, leading the league in home runs and RBIs. Despite this exceptional achievement, Raleigh came in second for the American League MVP award, losing to Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees. Judge’s strong offensive season earned him 17 first-place votes compared to Raleigh’s 13.
Cal Raleigh’s Historic Season
Cal Raleigh’s accomplishments included:
- 60 home runs, breaking the all-time record for catchers.
- 125 RBIs, tying for the third-most by an MVP-winning catcher.
- Upper-half rankings in OPS and WAR among catchers.
While Judge had an impressive season with high batting statistics, Raleigh’s performance was particularly notable due to the unique challenges faced by catchers. He not only excelled offensively but also maintained a high level of performance defensively.
Defensive Prowess
Despite battling an elbow injury that limited Judge to designated hitting duties for over half of the season, Raleigh took on the rigors of catching. Raleigh only served as a DH in 38 games, showcasing his resilience as both a batter and a defender.
Key defensive statistics for Raleigh included:
- Sixth in defensive runs saved above average.
- No passed balls throughout the season.
- Led MLB catchers in innings caught.
The MVP Debate
The debate surrounding the MVP award often centers on the player’s overall contributions to the team. According to the BBWAA voting rules established in 1931, the MVP should reflect the actual value a player brings through both offense and defense.
Although Judge’s offensive statistics were superior, the all-around impact of Raleigh’s performance makes a compelling case for his deserving the MVP title. His historic achievements as a catcher, combined with his significant defensive responsibilities, distinguish him as a unique candidate in the MVP race.
In conclusion, while both players had remarkable seasons, Cal Raleigh’s record-breaking feats and essential contributions as a catcher highlight why he was a deserving candidate for the 2025 AL MVP award over Aaron Judge.
