Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh has emerged as the leading contender for the AL MVP award following a surprising injury to New York Yankees captain Aaron Judge. This shift in dynamics has caused bookmakers to favor Raleigh as the front-runner for the prestigious honor this season.
Leading Contenders Battle for AL MVP Honors
This year’s AL MVP race features several impressive players across different teams, with Raleigh and Judge previously sharing the spotlight. Since his big league debut in September 2023, Junior Caminero has quickly become an integral part of the Tampa Bay Rays’ lineup. Batting .260 with 26 home runs and 68 RBIs, Caminero’s first All-Star selection highlights his breakout season.
Jeremy Pena has impressively carried the Houston Astros’ leadoff spot throughout the season, posting a .322 batting average with 11 homers and 40 RBIs. His reliable defense at shortstop adds significant value to his MVP candidacy.
Riley Greene has emerged as the Detroit Tigers’ cleanup hitter, delivering clutch hits that change games. He holds a .274 average with 25 home runs and 80 RBIs, and his second All-Star nod confirms his rising status.
Nick Kurtz, despite the Athletics’ struggles, has stood out after making his major league debut in April. His .309 average with 23 home runs and 59 RBIs demonstrates his potential amid challenging team circumstances.
Byron Buxton, now healthy after previous injury woes, has rekindled excitement at Target Field. Batting .282 with 23 home runs and 59 RBIs, Buxton’s return to the All-Star game reflects his renewed impact for Minnesota.
Bobby Witt Jr., although experiencing a slightly subdued season by his usual standards, remains crucial for the Kansas City Royals. He bats .287 with 15 home runs and 58 RBIs and continues to be one of the league’s top talents.
Jose Ramirez provides consistency for the Cleveland Guardians, boasting a .298 batting average with 21 home runs and 56 RBIs. His seventh All-Star selection underscores his continued excellence.
The only pitcher among the top AL MVP contenders is Detroit Tigers’ Tarik Skubal. Holding a 10-3 record, a 2.09 ERA, and 171 strikeouts, Skubal’s starts consistently tilt games in his team’s favor, making him indispensable under manager A.J. Hinch.
Judge’s Injury Opens Door for Raleigh’s Rise
Aaron Judge has been dominant again this year, batting .342 with 37 home runs and 85 RBIs, positioning himself as a clear MVP favorite until an elbow injury sidelined him indefinitely. With Judge out of action for an unknown period, Raleigh has gained a significant advantage in the AL MVP race.
Raleigh currently leads the major leagues with 40 home runs, putting him on pace to challenge Barry Bonds’ single-season home run record. His offensive dominance is even more remarkable given his demanding role as a catcher, a position widely regarded as the most challenging defensive spot in baseball.
Raleigh’s dual impact behind the plate and at the plate solidifies his claim as the frontrunner this season, especially in light of Judge’s unfortunate setback.
What Raleigh’s MVP Candidacy Means for the League
Cal Raleigh’s surge to the top of the AL MVP leaderboard marks a turning point in the race for baseball’s most coveted award. His combination of power-hitting and defensive responsibility distinguishes him as a uniquely valuable player. As the season unfolds, his performance will be closely watched not only by Mariners fans but by the entire baseball community.
With Judge sidelined, the competition among the other candidates will intensify, but Raleigh’s recent dominance places him in an optimal position to make history. Observers expect that if he maintains this level of play, he could redefine expectations for catchers and become a new face of the American League.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How much is Cal Raleigh paid?
A. He will receive a $10 million signing bonus once the commissioner approves the contract. His salary is $1 million this year, $11 million in 2027, $12 million in 2028, and $23 million annually for the next three years.
Q. How much does Cal Raleigh earn?
A. Catcher Cal Raleigh and the Seattle Mariners are close to agreeing on a six-year contract extension valued at $105 million. This agreement will begin this season and continue through 2030.
Q. Is Cal Raleigh any good?
A. Cal Raleigh has a .918 OPS and hit 22 home runs in 297 times at bat. His 143 wRC+ against right-handed pitchers places him 16th in MLB. While he is recognized for his powerful left-handed swings in a Mariners jersey, his outstanding 2025 season is largely due to his impressive performance as a right-handed hitter.