As the 2025 MLB season advances into summer, the American League MVP race is shaping up with New York Yankees star Aaron Judge firmly in front. Known for his powerful performances, Judge is leading the charge, though Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh is rapidly gaining ground in this competitive chase.
Cal Raleigh Emerges as a Strong Contender for AL MVP
In a position often overlooked in MVP discussions, Cal Raleigh is making a compelling case this year. Catching demands both physical and mental endurance, yet few catchers earn MVP recognition, making Raleigh’s rise noteworthy. After securing his first Gold Glove in 2024, Raleigh has significantly improved his offensive game in 2025, hitting above .250—a personal best—while ranking among the top home run hitters at the catcher position.
Raleigh’s evolution includes refined plate discipline, reducing strikeouts and boosting his walk rate to elite levels. According to ESPN, he ranks in the top five among AL hitters in fWAR and AXE value and leads all catchers in isolated power. Defensively, his skills remain exceptional, with strong game-calling, framing, and one of the best throwing arms in the league. This combination of power, durability, and analytical strengths makes Raleigh a rare and valuable player.
While Raleigh may not yet be ready to surpass Judge, his statistical progress narrows the gap more than many expect.
Why Aaron Judge Is Favored to Win, Despite Emerging Competition
Aaron Judge’s offensive dominance for the Yankees is evident, leading crucial categories such as home runs, RBIs, slugging percentage, OPS, and runs scored. His OPS+ metrics even approach those of Barry Bonds, underscoring his elite status. If Judge maintains his health, he appears poised to capture his second MVP award within three seasons.
However, Judge’s past injury history introduces uncertainty. Any missed playing time could open opportunities for contenders like Raleigh. The Mariners catcher, while not matching Judge’s raw hitting power, contributes significantly in comprehensive ways. Advanced statistics like Win Probability Added (WPA) and adjusted WAR (AXE) suggest Raleigh’s overall value rivals Judge’s contributions on the field.
Another factor is narrative influence. Should the Mariners remain playoff contenders with Raleigh leading both offensively and defensively, MVP voters might recognize the exceptional challenge of excelling as a catcher. Joe Mauer’s 2009 MVP remains the most recent time a catcher won this award in the AL, highlighting how uncommon and difficult such an achievement is.
Ongoing Race and What’s Ahead in the MVP Battle
Judge continues to be the front-runner, supported by dominant offensive numbers and a powerful presence in the lineup. Still, Raleigh’s consistent excellence from a demanding position is reshaping the MVP conversation this season. His balanced skill set forces fans and analysts to reconsider what defines the league’s most valuable player today.
As the 2025 campaign progresses toward June and beyond, this duel between Judge and Raleigh promises high excitement and evolving dynamics. Observers should keep a close eye on both players, as this AL MVP race intensifies with each game played.