intense competition in Major League Baseball MVP race tightens between Aaron Judge and Cal Raleigh; question remains if Yankees powerhouse is unbeatable
The race for the American League's Most Valuable Player (MVP) award is shaping up to be a captivating duel between two standout players - Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge and Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh.
Comparative Stats
Aaron Judge leads the way with a superior batting average of .337, an on-base percentage of .448, and a slugging percentage of .693, giving him an OPS+ of 210. He has hit 38 home runs, driven in 88 runs, scored 94 runs, stolen 6 bases, and boasts a WAR of 6.7. Judge's offensive profile demonstrates dominance in hitting for average, reaching base, and power, making him appear as the best player offensively [1][3].
On the other hand, Cal Raleigh posts a lower batting average of .245, an on-base of .351, and a slugging of .593 but has more home runs (45) and RBIs (98), with a 168 OPS+. Raleigh also adds value with 13 stolen bases and a WAR of 5.2. Defensively, Raleigh excels, especially as a catcher, winning the Platinum Glove in 2024 and contributing by throwing out 16 base runners in 2025. His outfield defensive metrics are also remarkable, indicating elite all-around value [1][2].
Team Performances
Judge plays for the Yankees, a perennial contender, and his performance continues to anchor their offense. Despite a recent slowdown in his historic pace and a stint on the injured list, he remains a key figure and the favourite in many public MVP odds polls [1][4][5].
Raleigh has helped the Mariners maintain a competitive edge with his leadership at the catcher position and stellar offensive and defensive contributions, boosting his team significantly in a manner that voters tend to appreciate when considering MVP impact [2].
Potential Voter Fatigue
Aaron Judge was the unanimous AL MVP in 2024 and remains the front-runner this season. While he still leads in many traditional stats, his recent injury and slight production dip might influence voters looking for fresh narratives or more visible team impact.
Raleigh, though unlikely considered the outright favourite by all voters yet, has surged in popularity, climbing in MVP poll first-place votes from 1 to 13 within recent months and continues a historic power surge at a demanding defensive position (catcher). This momentum could appeal to voters seeking to reward an emerging star with broader contributions, potentially overcoming "voter fatigue" with Judge [2][3][4].
The Mariners' Resurgence
The Mariners have tied the Astros for first place in the AL West, with a record of 34-19 since June 12. If the Yankees fall out of the playoffs and Raleigh tops 55 home runs with around 130 RBI, voter fatigue could potentially play a role in the MVP vote.
In summary, Judge offers the best overall offensive profile and track record as the established superstar, while Raleigh provides a rare combination of power, defense, and base-running impact, highlighted by historic home run production at catcher. The race tightens as both players bring compelling credentials, with Raleigh's rise possibly fueled by voters seeking new narratives and expanded definitions of value beyond traditional hitting stats. The MVP decision may hinge on how voters weigh all-around value versus established supremacy, factoring in team context and fatigue from previous awards to Judge.
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