As the 2025 MLB regular season comes to a dramatic close, the race for the American League MVP award is a nail-biter between Yankees superstar Aaron Judge and Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh. What was once perceived as Judge’s to lose now emerges as a dead heat, with both players sharing equal odds according to FanDuel.
Judge’s excellence is encapsulated in his impressive statistics: a .326 batting average, .672 slugging percentage, and 49 home runs, all contributing to a 9.2 fWAR, showcasing his all-around superiority. Furthermore, Judge has continuously proven invaluable to the Yankees, currently holding a slim lead for entering the playoffs, emphasizing his definition of “value” as the best player contributing to his team’s success.
Raleigh, however, packs a compelling narrative with his numbers, boasting 58 home runs and the demanding position of a catcher. Despite playing in Seattle’s pitcher-friendly T-Mobile Park, he shattered the previous home run record for catchers and is approaching the revered milestone of 60 home runs—a feat only achieved by a handful of illustrious names in baseball history. Raleigh brings significant defensive value with his standings in framing and run value, adding to his case.
The endgame for Raleigh seems to rely primarily on his potential to hit 60 home runs, a number that can sway the narrative-based vote. The Mariners’ remaining schedule against teams with vulnerable pitching staffs grants Raleigh an opportunity to reach or surpass this milestone. Conversely, the Yankees face decent but not insurmountable pitching opposition, which could enable Judge to consolidate his statistics further.
This season finale encapsulates much more than just individual accolades; it highlights the drama and excitement integral to baseball, with a touch of history on the line. The impending performances during this concluding week might well decide the fate of the AL MVP award, promising baseball enthusiasts an exhilarating end to the season. As Raleigh aims to join the likes of Ken Griffey Jr. and Ichiro Suzuki from Mariners mythology, this MVP clash ignites a celebrated chapter in baseball history.