Aaron Judge‘s 2025 campaign has been spectacular with a .331 batting average, .458 on-base percentage and 53 home runs, the Yankees slugger has demonstrated his offensive dominance. In addition, he became only the third player in history along with Jimmie Foxx and Mickey Mantle to reach 50 home runs and a batting title in the same season.
His teammate Anthony Rizzo has defended him to the hilt: “He’s the heart and soul of this team,” he has said on numerous occasions, convinced that there is no debate about the MVP. However, from other quarters a different narrative is being put forward. According to USA Today‘s Bob Nightengale, as brilliant as Judge’s numbers are, this year’s award should have another owner: Cal Raleigh, catcher for the Seattle Mariners.
Cal Raleigh: The surprising rival to Judge for MVP according to experts and fans
Cal Raleigh has had one of the most extraordinary seasons ever remembered for a catcher with 60 home runs. The switch-hitter not only broke the all-time home run record for a catcher, but even surpassed iconic marks such as Mickey Mantle’s. “What he’s done offensively and behind the plate, I don’t think we’ve seen before,” said Dan Wilson, former catcher and Mariners figure.
But Raleigh’s case goes beyond his bat power. His Gold Glove defense, his handling of Seattle’s pitching staff and his leadership in helping the Mariners win the American League West title for the first time in 24 years elevate his candidacy. As Nightengale noted, “If Raleigh were a Yankee and Judge a Mariner, this conversation wouldn’t even exist.”
Aaron Judge responds with leadership in key Yankees moments
Despite the criticism, Aaron Judge continues to do what he does best, which is to impact games directly. On September 27, with the Yankees fighting for the division, he led off the game with his 20th first-inning home run and his 53rd overall. But that night, the protagonist was another, the rookie Cam Schlittler.
The young pitcher threw seven scoreless innings with nine strikeouts, and Judge was quick to recognize him: “He’s been impressive all year since he came up… with every start, he’s becoming a better and better pitcher,” he said, also praising his connection with catchers Wells and Vinnie. This kind of leadership has been consistent throughout the year and reflects Judge’s impact beyond his statistics.
With October just around the corner, the conversation about who should be MVP is intensifying. While Judge continues to put up high-caliber numbers and lead from the dugout, Cal Raleigh has built a solid, statistical, defensive and strategic case that demands to be heard.
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