The intense comparison between Aaron Judge and Cal Raleigh escalated following the Texas Rangers’ unusual tactical decision during their game on June 27, 2025. The Rangers intentionally walked Mariners’ slugger Cal Raleigh twice, a move that has fueled discussion over whether Raleigh is now rivaling Judge’s legendary American League home run record and status.
Rangers’ Intentional Walks Highlight the Rising Threat of Cal Raleigh
In a pivotal moment during the game against the Texas Rangers, the Seattle Mariners’ Cal Raleigh, often referred to as the “Big Dumper,” was intentionally walked twice by the Rangers pitching staff. The first instance occurred in the third inning after J.P. Crawford and Julio Rodriguez reached base, loading the runners on second and third with no outs. Texas pitching coach Mike Maddux intervened, instructing starter Nathan Eovaldi to issue a free pass to Raleigh, despite the risk of bases loaded.
The strategy was repeated in the following inning, as the Rangers once again chose to intentionally walk Raleigh, a reflection of their caution around his powerful hitting capabilities. Raleigh has notched 10 home runs so far this June, contributing to his impressive total of 32 home runs this season, tops in the league.
Statcast data reveals Raleigh’s sustained bat speed of 74.9 mph throughout the season, signaling his consistent offensive threat. His 32 homers have already surpassed Johnny Bench’s record for most home runs by a catcher in a season (28) and put him in contention to challenge Salvador Perez’s single-season catcher home run record of 48. Should Raleigh continue this pace, it could bring Aaron Judge’s American League record of 62 homers within reach.
Fan Reactions to Texas Rangers’ Two Intentional Walks of Raleigh
The Rangers’ choice to walk Raleigh twice in a single game has drawn diverse opinions from MLB fans. Many see it as a justified tactic given Raleigh’s slugging prowess.
“About time they did this to him,”
remarked one fan, recognizing the threat Raleigh poses with a .658 slugging percentage and his current home run tally.
Other fans highlighted a perceived inconsistency in how pitchers approach elite hitters.
“They don’t do that for Judge,”
commented another observer, noting that Judge has been walked 24 times over the last 162 games but may rarely face two intentional walks in a single contest like Raleigh did.
Supporters of the Rangers’ move expressed understanding of the defensive advantages.
“Set up the double play; I see nothing wrong with it,”
wrote another fan, acknowledging that walking Raleigh put the Mariners in a precarious position but limited the damage as the team managed only two runs during those innings.
Further strategic insight was shared by fans noting the benefits of loading the bases:
“First is open; it makes sense. Sets up the force everywhere,”
one fan explained. This tactic creates force-run situations at all bases, allowing the defense to double off runners with ground balls, a classic method to contain dangerous hitters like Raleigh.
Some fans also referenced similar treatment endured by Aaron Judge.
“This happens to Aaron Judge every other game,”
stated one, recalling the recent Los Angeles Angels’ choice to intentionally walk Judge in each of his first two at-bats. This comparison cemented Raleigh’s emerging place among the league’s most feared power hitters.
The Emerging Rivalry and Its Implications for the MVP Race
With the Rangers’ calculated decisions underscoring the respect Raleigh has garnered, the debate over whether he could be the “new Aaron Judge” is intensifying. Judge set the American League home run record at 62 in 2022, establishing himself as a dominant force. Raleigh’s current pace and record-breaking potential, especially as a catcher surpassing historic marks, have prompted both fans and analysts to reconsider the landscape of the AL MVP race.
The development also reflects how pitchers and teams adjust their tactics when facing towering sluggers. By handing Raleigh two intentional walks, the Rangers demonstrated both the fear he evokes and the calculated risks teams are willing to take to mitigate potential game-changing swings. The conversations spurred by these moves emphasize the evolving nature of MLB offensive leaders and add excitement to this stretch of the season.
As the Mariners chase records and the Rangers defend their turf with such bold strategies, the league’s narrative will likely focus more on this Aaron Judge Cal Raleigh debate. Whether Raleigh can sustain this pace and challenge Judge’s benchmark remains to be seen, but his rise alone guarantees continued attention.