Overview

• Over 76 games, Raleigh has tallied a league-leading 32 home runs and 68 RBIs, surpassing Johnny Bench’s pre-All Star benchmark for catchers.
• FanGraphs projects Raleigh on pace to hit 67 home runs in 160 games, which would break the American League single-season record.
• Aaron Judge’s recent seven-game slump saw him go 3 for 27 with 15 strikeouts, contributing to a dip in his batting average.
• Fans at Wrigley Field and Target Field have chanted “MVP” for Raleigh and MLB Network analyst Eduardo Perez has publicly backed his candidacy.
• Contenders such as Bobby Witt Jr. and José Ramírez remain in the mix but Raleigh’s switch-hitting power and Gold Glove defense give him a unique edge.