The New York Yankees couldn’t have asked for more from Aaron Judge in 2025. Their captain didn’t just power the lineup—he carried it, again. Now, as the season’s dust settles, Judge stands on the doorstep of a third American League MVP Award. But the path isn’t as clear as it was in 2022 or 2024. This time, he’s staring across at Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh, who has turned an unlikely season into one of the most fascinating MVP races in years.
The Case for Aaron Judge
For the Yankees, Judge was everything. The heartbeat, the thunder, the reason pitchers lost sleep. He led the majors in both wRC+ (204) and fWAR (10.1), metrics that tell the story behind his 53 home runs and 137 runs scored. Once again, he was a one-man wrecking crew in a lineup that often leaned too heavily on him.
When Judge homers, Yankee Stadium shakes differently. There’s a sense of inevitability to his power, a quiet understanding that he can flip a game with one swing. And yet, what separates him from the rest isn’t just the strength—it’s the patience. Judge has evolved into a complete hitter, blending power and plate discipline like few ever have.
In many ways, his 2025 season resembled a masterclass in consistency and leadership. Even when opposing teams pitched around him, Judge found ways to impact the game. Whether it was drawing a key walk, taking an extra base, or making a play in right field, he set the tone for a Yankees team that followed his lead all year, even despite a troublesome elbow injury in the summer.
The Rise of Cal Raleigh
Then there’s Cal Raleigh, the Mariners’ ironman behind the plate. He’s the anti-Judge in terms of glamour and market size, but his 2025 campaign forced everyone—from analysts to voters—to take notice. Sixty home runs from a catcher isn’t just impressive; it’s nearly unthinkable. Raleigh’s power surge wasn’t a flash in the pan—it was sustained, steady, and fueled by his ability to handle one of baseball’s toughest positions.
Playing catcher is like being a quarterback and a linebacker at the same time. You call the game, manage the pitching staff, and still find the energy to swing for the fences. Raleigh did all of that while anchoring Seattle’s postseason run, hitting .247 with 125 RBIs and a 9.1 fWAR. His 161 wRC+ ranked among the league’s elite, and his defensive workload only strengthens his case.
Smoltz Weighs In
Hall of Famer and broadcaster John Smoltz joined the debate during the American League Championship Series, leaning slightly toward Raleigh. He did say that if Cal Raleigh were a left fielder or shortstop, he would lean toward Aaron Judge, as relayed by Yankees insider Bryan Hoch.
It’s a nuanced take—one that reveals how voters might see this race. Smoltz, often a traditionalist, values the difficulty of Raleigh’s position and the uniqueness of his performance. Catchers rarely lead the league in home runs, and even fewer push their teams to October while handling an entire pitching staff.
A Battle of Giants
So who deserves the MVP? Judge’s all-around dominance makes him the statistical favorite, but Raleigh’s positional value adds another dimension. This isn’t a debate about who’s better—it’s about how we define “valuable.”
Judge is the towering constant, the kind of player who changes the course of a franchise. Raleigh is the grinder who turned one of baseball’s most demanding jobs into a historic power display. It’s like comparing a grand piano to a drum kit—different instruments, both vital to the rhythm of the game.
Whichever direction the voters lean, one thing is clear: 2025 gave us a duel worthy of the sport’s best stage. And whether it’s Judge adding another trophy to his growing legacy or Raleigh making history for Seattle, this MVP race reminds us why baseball still finds new ways to surprise us.
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