When the 2025 MLB season was a few months deep, Aaron Judge appeared to be the runaway favorite for the AL MVP award, with Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh catching some attention, but the odds stayed in favor of the New York Yankees captain.
However, the odds have drastically changed this month in favor of the catcher. Raleigh is making a compelling case for the voters not to select the already two-time MVP Yankees star. It appears several front office executives have also come to terms that Raleigh can win the 2025 AL MVP.
With less than two months remaining in the regular season, MLB.com conducted a poll among a dozen front office executives for the AL MVP between Judge and Raleigh.
Cal Raleigh just edges out Aaron Judge in front office voting
The voting shows Cal Raleigh receiving seven votes and Aaron Judge receiving six, while one opted for a tie. It’s still a close call, suggesting that neither player has run away with the award yet.
“Had Judge continued the Bonds-like start he got off to, I might think differently,” an AL executive said. “But as is, I’d go with the all-around monster year from the guy playing the most demanding position on the field.”
“Judge has been the best player,” another NL executive said. “If there was a pickup baseball game in the park and I have the first pick, I’m taking him.”
Raleigh is producing at an unprecedented level as a catcher, leading the AL with 56 home runs and 118 RBIs. On the other hand, Judge has 48 home runs and 103 RBIs. Moreover, Raleigh has been an everyday catcher for the Mariners, while Judge has played 55 games as a DH this season, which might push voters to recognize the defensive value Raleigh brings to the table.
Apart from the home run stat, Judge leads all other major offensive stats in the league. The Yankees captain leads the AL in runs scored (127), walks (114), total bases (344), OPS+ (211), bWAR (8.6) and fWAR (9.0). While Judge hits above .300, Raleigh is dealing just below .250.
It will all come down to how both hitters performs in the remaining regular-season games before 30 voters put their selection based on what they feel is more important for an MVP award.
