Cal Raleigh of the Seattle Mariners has overtaken Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees in the newest Major League Baseball power rankings, marking a significant moment in the 2023 season. This shift highlights Raleigh’s recent surge in hitting power, demonstrating the volatile and competitive spirit of the league.
Raleigh’s Breakout Performance Over the Past Week
During an extraordinary seven-game stretch concluding last Tuesday, Cal Raleigh delivered an impressive offensive display. He posted a .483 batting average, a .545 on-base percentage, and an exceptional 1.207 slugging percentage. His performance included six home runs and 15 RBIs, boosting his season totals to 32 home runs and 69 RBIs. Raleigh’s achievements not only place him at the forefront of the league but also set him on course for a historic offensive year, especially notable as a catcher and switch-hitter.
Aaron Judge Maintains High-Level Play Amid Ranking Shift
Although now ranked second, Aaron Judge continues to excel in his pursuit of a third American League MVP title. The 33-year-old currently leads the AL with a .361 batting average and remains competitive in home runs and RBIs, recording 28 homers and 63 RBIs. Despite a recent dip in power numbers, with only two home runs in his last 11 games, Judge’s overall numbers remain outstanding. Analysts emphasize that a .708 on-base plus slugging (OPS) would be acceptable for many players, but for Judge, it signals a rare slump relative to his usual standards.
Judge’s Season-Long Statistical Superiority
Judge is enjoying a career-best offensive season, evidenced by a league-leading 1.180 OPS. He holds commanding leads in key statistics including batting average (.361), on-base percentage (.461), and slugging percentage (.719). At the midpoint of the season, his Wins Above Replacement (WAR) sits at 5.8, positioning him to potentially exceed his personal best and the 10.8 WAR levels he attained in his MVP seasons of 2022 and 2024.
Other Top Performers in the 2023 Power Rankings
The competition to stay among the MLB’s elite power hitters is fierce, with stars like Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Juan Soto of the New York Mets, and Ketel Marte of the Arizona Diamondbacks rounding out the top five in the latest rankings. These players continue to showcase talent that shapes the competitive atmosphere of the season.
The Ongoing Impact of Raleigh and Judge’s Rivalry
The unfolding rivalry between Cal Raleigh and Aaron Judge adds a compelling storyline to the 2023 MLB season. While Judge brings experience and a history of dominance, Raleigh represents a rising star setting new standards among catchers. Their contrasting paths underscore the ever-changing dynamics of the sport, captivating fans and analysts alike as these athletes chase baseball greatness in unique and inspiring ways.
“For most players, a .708 OPS would be considered acceptable, but for Aaron Judge, it reflects a drop from his usual excellence.”
—MLB Analyst