On July 23, Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees held a strong lead in the American League MVP race, topping the league in batting average, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage. The only major category where Judge trailed was in home runs, where Seattle Mariners’ powerful catcher Cal Raleigh led with 39 compared to Judge’s 37. These two players were clearly the frontrunners in the AL MVP discussion at that time.
Injury Interrupts Judge’s Momentum
Judge’s impressive season faced a setback after he suffered a flexor strain on July 23 during an outfield throw. Despite playing one more game on July 25, where he went hitless in three at-bats, Judge was soon placed on the 10-day injured list. He returned on August 5, marking the shortest possible absence, but his performance since then has not matched his pre-injury levels.
Judge’s Performance After Return Shows Signs of a Slump
In the 10 games Judge played in August leading up to Sunday, his batting average dropped to .219, with an on-base percentage of .405 and a slugging percentage of .438, accompanied by just two home runs. Although he continued to draw walks at a healthy pace, his overall hitting effectiveness and power numbers have declined. However, in a recent game against the St. Louis Cardinals, Judge improved with a 2-for-3 performance that included a home run and two walks, suggesting his recovery may be progressing.
Current Standings in the AL MVP Race
Despite the slump, Judge still leads major batting categories in the American League and across all of Major League Baseball, maintaining his edge in average, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage. If Cal Raleigh is to challenge Judge for the MVP award, his advantage in home runs—the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/baseball/mlb/”>MLB-leading total—will be the primary factor. The question remains whether home run dominance alone can secure the trophy.
Historical MVP Trends and What They Mean for Raleigh
Historically, no non-pitcher has won the AL MVP with a batting average below .260, aside from Shohei Ohtani, who hit .257 in 2021 while also excelling as a pitcher. Batting average remains a critical metric, even in an era that emphasizes power hitting. For reference, Jose Altuve won the 2017 AL MVP with a .346 average, outperforming Judge, who led the league with 52 home runs that year but fell short in overall hitting.
Pathways for Raleigh to Claim the MVP
The AL MVP award still arguably belongs to Judge unless his performance deteriorates further. One historical precedent that might favor Raleigh is Roger Maris’ 1961 MVP season. Maris won despite hitting .267, the second-lowest batting average for a non-pitcher MVP, because his record-breaking 61 home runs captivated voters. If Raleigh can surpass Judge’s current AL home run record of 62, he could mount a strong MVP case based primarily on his power hitting.
Looking Ahead in the AL MVP Contest
The competition between Judge and Raleigh epitomizes the balancing act between batting average and home run power in modern baseball. While Judge’s early season dominance and overall hitting metrics set a high standard, Raleigh’s home run surge presents a compelling counter narrative. The next few weeks will be crucial as Judge aims to regain his peak form and Raleigh tries to maintain his remarkable power numbers. The AL MVP race remains open but continues to be shaped by these standout players’ performances.