Aaron Judge and Cal Raleigh are locked in one of the most exciting MVP battles the American League has seen in years. Judge, the face of the Yankees, continues to dominate with power and consistency. Raleigh, meanwhile, is turning heads in Seattle by doing things no catcher has ever done before.
For months, fans and analysts have debated the case for both players. Judge is stacking up monster stats yet again, while Raleigh is rewriting history for his position. ESPN’s Jeff Passan summed up the dilemma on The Pat McAfee Show: “If I had a vote right now, I would go Aaron Judge and I would feel terrible about it.”
But then came a revelation that changed the tone of the conversation. Passan shared that he had spoken to a current MVP voter who surveyed players around the league – and every one of them picked Judge. That quiet detail could end up shaping how the award plays out, even before the ballots are cast.
Judge’s Case: Pure Production
Judge’s numbers remain staggering. He’s already hit 51 home runs, owns a .328 batting average, and leads the league with a 9.3 WAR, according to Baseball Reference. His 133 runs scored and constant presence in the middle of New York’s lineup make him the clear centerpiece of the Yankees’ offense.
Even his teammates are outspoken about his value. “If you really look at the numbers, I don’t think it’s close,” said Giancarlo Stanton. That confidence reflects the belief inside the clubhouse that Judge’s dominance speaks for itself.
Raleigh’s Case: A Catcher Like No Other
Raleigh has built an MVP-worthy case of his own. With 60 home runs and a league-leading 125 RBIs, he’s giving Seattle both power and production at a position where players rarely put up these kinds of numbers. Add in the fact that he’s catching nearly 159 games – in one of the toughest roles in sports – and his season looks historic.
Passan noted that catchers are often undervalued because much of their work doesn’t show up in box scores. From pitch-calling to handling pitchers, Raleigh’s influence stretches far beyond his home run totals. That hidden value has fueled the Mariners’ playoff chase all year.
A Race Shaped by More Than Numbers
While both stars have the stats to win, the latest insider detail suggests Judge may have an edge that Raleigh can’t overcome: reputation. Voters appear to remain in awe of Judge’s ability to keep producing at an elite level year after year.
For Raleigh, the fight isn’t just about numbers – it’s about changing how the game values catchers. For Judge, it’s about proving once again why he’s the most dominant hitter in baseball. And if Passan’s report is right, the MVP trophy could be heading back to the Bronx.
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