The 2025 MLB season has witnessed a historic feat: Cal Raleigh, catcher for the Seattle Mariners, hit his 60th home run, equaling a mark that only legends such as Babe Ruth,
This achievement, coupled with his defensive impact and leadership on the team, makes him one of the leading contenders for the American League Most Valuable Player award, in direct competition with Judge himself.
A record that puts him in the history books
Raleigh became the first player since Aaron Judge in 2022 to reach 60 home runs in a season. He also broke multiple records: the home run record for a catcher (surpassing Salvador Perez’s 48), for a switch hitter (surpassing Mickey Mantle’s 54) and for a Mariners player (surpassing Ken Griffey Jr.’s 56).
The impact on the division: Seattle reigns again
Thanks to his performance, the Mariners won the American League West Division for the first time since 2001, ending a 24-year drought. This collective achievement reinforces Raleigh’s MVP candidacy, as his offensive production was key to securing the divisional title.
Can he surpass Aaron Judge?
While Judge remains a dominant figure in MLB, Raleigh has had a more complete season in terms of defensive impact, leadership and consistency. With an estimated 6.9 WAR and offensive statistics to rival any slugger, the Seattle catcher could become the third player in franchise history to win the MVP, alongside Griffey (1997) and Ichiro (2001).
A season to remember
Cal Raleigh has gone from being a promise to becoming a historical reality. His power at the plate, his ability behind it and his influence on the success of the Mariners make him a legitimate MVP candidate. In a league where records are respected and collective achievements matter, Raleigh has a strong case to snatch the award from Aaron Judge and end the year as the most valuable player in the American League.
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