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2h ago

AL MVP Race Narrows to Aaron Judge vs. Cal Raleigh as Final Weekend Opens

Voters are weighing all-around production against unprecedented catcher power.

NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 25: Giancarlo Stanton #27 of the New York Yankees reacts after hitting a double during the game against the Chicago White Sox at Yankee Stadium on September 25, 2025 in New York, New York. (Photo by New York Yankees/Getty Images)
May 30, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; New York Yankees center fielder Aaron Judge (99) celebrates after hitting a solo-home run against the Seattle Mariners during the seventh inning at T-Mobile Park. Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh (29) kneels at right. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
Sep 24, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh (29), left, celebrates in the clubhouse after winning the American League West Division during a game against the Colorado Rockies at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images

Overview

  • Cal Raleigh enters the final series with an MLB-best 60 home runs, becoming the first primary catcher to reach 60 in a season.
  • Aaron Judge leads the American League in batting average, on-base percentage, slugging, OPS and WAR, with some analysts predicting he prevails if form holds.
  • Several BBWAA voters describe the choice as their toughest in years, with some acknowledging that perceived voter fatigue toward Judge could aid Raleigh.
  • Raleigh’s case emphasizes workload and defense with 120 starts behind the plate guiding a staff with a 3.87 ERA, as Seattle clinched the AL West this week.
  • Public voices are weighing in—Giancarlo Stanton says the numbers favor Judge—while ballots will be cast after the regular season ends this weekend.