The battle for AL MVP 2025 has become one of the most compelling storylines in baseball this year, with Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees and Cal Raleigh of the Seattle Mariners emerging as the two leading candidates. Both delivered remarkable seasons marked by elite production, historic milestones, and major influence on their teams’ success.
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Aaron Judge’s Case: A Dominant All-Around Season
Aaron Judge finished the season with one of the strongest offensive campaigns of his career. His numbers placed him at or near the top of the league across multiple categories.
Judge’s Key Highlights
- .331 batting average, the highest in Major League Baseball this season
- .457 on-base percentage and .688 slugging percentage
- 53 home runs and 114 RBIs
- 9.7 bWAR, the highest among all position players
Judge’s combination of power, discipline, and average made him a complete offensive force. He also served as the emotional leader of the Yankees clubhouse, setting the tone in a season where New York remained firmly in playoff contention.
Defensively, Judge continued to provide strong value in right field. His fielding, range, and arm strength contributed to his overall case, even if offense deservedly dominates MVP conversations.
Cal Raleigh’s Case: A Historic Power Surge
Cal Raleigh’s 2025 season wasn’t just excellent — it was unprecedented for a player at his position and a switch-hitter.
Raleigh’s Key Highlights
- .247 batting average with a .359 OBP
- 60 home runs, the most in MLB this season
- 125 RBIs, leading the American League
- 7.4 bWAR
- First catcher in MLB history to hit 60 home runs
- First switch-hitter ever to reach 60 home runs
Catcher is one of the most physically demanding positions in baseball, making Raleigh’s production even more impressive. Maintaining elite offensive output while handling a full pitching staff elevated his argument significantly.
His home run total stands out as one of the defining achievements of the 2025 season. Any time a player breaks major positional or historical barriers, MVP voters take notice.
Why the Race Is So Close
This AL MVP race is defined by two competing philosophies:
1. Best All-Around Player (Judge)
Voters who focus on overall offensive excellence, consistency, advanced stats, and leadership may lean toward Judge. His slash line and WAR make a strong case on their own.
2. Most Valuable Relative to Position and History (Raleigh)
Voters who prioritize positional difficulty and historical milestones may favor Raleigh. Catchers rarely put up offensive seasons of this magnitude, and none had ever reached the 60-home-run mark.
Additional Factors Voters Consider
- Team impact: Both players helped their teams compete deep into the season.
- Durability: Catchers rarely play as many high-intensity innings as Raleigh did this season.
- Narrative momentum: Unique or historic achievements often sway ballots.
- Player reputation: Award history sometimes influences voter sentiment, consciously or not.
Season Comparison: Judge vs. Raleigh
| Category | Aaron Judge | Cal Raleigh |
|---|---|---|
| AVG | .331 | .247 |
| OBP | .457 | .359 |
| SLG | .688 | .589 |
| Home Runs | 53 | 60 |
| RBIs | 114 | 125 |
| bWAR | 9.7 | 7.4 |
| Position | RF | C |
Judge wins in batting average, on-base percentage, slugging, and WAR. Raleigh holds the edge in total home runs, RBIs, historical impact, and positional value.
This is a classic MVP dilemma: overall dominance vs. unprecedented production at a premium position.
Voter Sentiment Entering Award Week
Public discussion around the award suggests a split viewpoint:
- Judge supporters argue that he was the most complete and effective hitter in baseball, leading in several major categories.
- Raleigh supporters emphasize his rare achievements and the difficulty of producing at that level as a catcher.
- Many analysts describe the race as too close to call, with strong arguments on both sides.
What is clear is that the winner will have earned it — and the runner-up will still have a season remembered for years.
The Legacy Impact
If Judge Wins
- It adds another MVP trophy to an already Hall-of-Fame-bound résumé.
- It strengthens his case as one of the most dominant hitters of his generation.
- It enhances the Yankees’ long-term leadership anchor.
If Raleigh Wins
- It cements one of the greatest offensive seasons ever by a catcher.
- It rewards a player who shattered positional expectations.
- It marks a landmark moment for the Mariners franchise.
Final Thoughts
The AL MVP 2025 competition stands as one of the most exciting award races in recent baseball history. With Judge delivering elite numbers across the board and Raleigh achieving unprecedented milestones, voters face a tough yet thrilling decision. No matter who wins, this year will be remembered for excellence.
Who do you believe earned the award — Judge’s all-around dominance or Raleigh’s historic power? Share your thoughts below and keep the conversation going.