New York Yankees captain Aaron Judge has been one of the most dominant hitters in baseball this season, but he has been overtaken in the American League home run race. Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh surged ahead with his 19th homer of the season, surpassing Judge’s 18. Raleigh’s power display came in a 9-1 win over the Washington Nationals, where he hit two home runs, further cementing his growing reputation as one of the league’s premier sluggers.
Raleigh’s achievement carries historical significance-he is the first catcher in MLB history to hit home runs from both the right and left sides in the same season. A switch-hitter with impressive pop, Raleigh has become a key offensive weapon for the Mariners, helping them stay competitive in the American League. His latest performance propelled Seattle to victory and put him in sole possession of the AL home run lead for now.
Meanwhile, Judge and the Yankees secured a series win over the Los Angeles Angels with a second consecutive victory, though the star outfielder did not add to his home run total. Instead, second-year infielder Ben Rice and struggling third baseman Oswald Peraza provided the Yankees’ offensive firepower, while pitcher Carlos Rodón delivered seven scoreless innings in a 3-2 win. Despite the lack of long balls, Judge remains a force in the lineup, consistently producing at an elite level.
Numbers don’t lie
Judge’s overall numbers continue to put him among the league’s best. In 54 games, he leads the AL with 51 runs scored, a .395 batting average, and a .488 on-base percentage, further proving why he remains one of the most feared hitters in baseball. The six-time All-Star has been selected every year since 2017 and is a near-lock to earn another selection for the 2025 AL team.
With the Yankees wrapping up their series against the Angels before heading to Los Angeles to face the Dodgers, Judge has another opportunity to reclaim the top spot in the AL home run race. Given his track record of surging late in seasons, it would not be surprising to see him close the gap and retake his place as the league leader in power numbers.
As the season progresses, the battle between Judge and Raleigh adds intrigue to the AL home run competition. While Judge has the resume and experience, Raleigh’s breakout campaign is capturing attention. Whether Judge reclaims his lead or Raleigh continues his ascent, fans can expect plenty of fireworks in the weeks ahead.
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