The 2025 American League MVP award went to Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees, but many fans and analysts believe Cal Raleigh of the Seattle Mariners deserved the honor. Raleigh finished second in the voting despite a record-breaking season that saw him lead Major League Baseball (MLB) in both home runs and RBIs. The Baseball Writers’ Association of America (BBWAA) voting revealed that Judge received 17 first-place votes and 13 second-place votes, while Raleigh earned 13 first-place votes and 17 second-place votes.
Raleigh’s remarkable achievements throughout the season warrant a closer examination. Two primary factors illustrate why his contributions may have been overlooked in favor of Judge’s impressive offensive statistics.
Historic Performance at Catcher
Raleigh’s offensive output was not only significant but also historic for a catcher. He finished the season with an extraordinary 60 home runs, surpassing the previous record of 48 home runs set by a catcher in a single season. Notably, this achievement eclipses the combined total of home runs hit by Buster Posey and Joe Mauer, the only other catchers to have won the MVP award this century.
In addition to his home run tally, Raleigh recorded 125 RBIs, which would tie for the third-most by an MVP-winning catcher. His on-base plus slugging percentage (OPS) and Wins Above Replacement (WAR) were also among the highest for catchers who have previously taken the MVP title. When comparing the historical context of Raleigh’s accomplishments to those of other catchers, it becomes evident that his offensive contributions were exceptional.
Defensive Excellence Enhances Value
The MVP award evaluates a player’s overall impact on their team, encompassing both offensive and defensive performance. While Judge’s hitting numbers are stellar, Raleigh’s all-around contributions, especially in defense, elevate his candidacy. According to the BBWAA voting guidelines, the MVP should reflect a player’s actual value to their team, which includes both offensive and defensive strength.
Judge played as a designated hitter in 56 games due to an elbow injury, whereas Raleigh was a designated hitter in only 38 games. As a catcher, Raleigh faced the unique challenges associated with the position, including managing pitchers and handling every single pitch. His defensive prowess is highlighted by finishing sixth in defensive runs saved above average, all while recording his offensive statistics without a single passed ball throughout the season.
Raleigh’s remarkable ability to juggle the physical demands of catching at a high level, combined with his historic offensive production, presents a compelling argument for his MVP candidacy. His performance reflects not only personal achievement but also the vital role he played in the Mariners’ success during the season.
In summary, while Aaron Judge delivered an impressive season, Cal Raleigh’s record-breaking achievements as a catcher and his comprehensive contributions to the Mariners should not be overlooked. The debate over the deserving MVP will likely continue, but Raleigh’s historic performance established him as a standout player in the 2025 MLB season.
