Future MVP Upset: MLB Execs Favor Cal Raleigh Over Aaron Judge in Poll for 2025 AL Honors

Title: AL MVP Race Tightens as Cal Raleigh Challenges Aaron Judge in 2025 Season

As the 2025 MLB regular season enters its final stretch, baseball fans are witnessing a thrilling battle for the AL MVP award between Aaron Judge and Cal Raleigh. In a recent poll of 14 current front office executives by MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand, Raleigh edged out Judge by a single vote (7-6), with one respondent calling it a tie.

One intriguing aspect that swayed some voters towards Raleigh was the value of his position as a catcher, compared to Judge’s performance decline after a blazing start to the season. Despite Judge being recognized as the superior offensive player, Raleigh’s impact behind the plate has not gone unnoticed.

A key factor in this MVP debate has been Judge’s struggle with an elbow injury, limiting him primarily to a DH role since his return from the IL. This injury has hindered Judge’s ability to play in the outfield, affecting his overall contribution to the team.

Raleigh, on the other hand, has been setting records, including most home runs in a season by a catcher and a switch-hitter. His defensive prowess and pitch framing skills have also been highlighted, elevating his value beyond just offensive statistics.

The upcoming series between Raleigh’s Mariners and the Astros could be pivotal in determining the MVP race, especially with both teams tied for first place in the AL West. While the Yankees hold a better record than the Mariners, there’s a sense of underachievement in New York due to their struggle in the AL East standings.

Despite Judge maintaining a slight lead in fWAR, Raleigh’s defensive contributions and impressive season stats have made this MVP race one of the closest in recent memory. Both players bring unique strengths to the table, making it a tough decision for voters and adding excitement for fans as the season draws to a close.

Source: bleacherreport.com