This year’s MLB season has been packed with lots of action and exciting moments, including the extremely close American League MVP race between Aaron Judge and Cal Raleigh.

Aaron Judge

The Yankees’ star right fielder Aaron Judge is putting together yet another phenomenal season. With only a few games left in the MLB season, Aaron Judge is leading the MLB in batting average, with an impressive average of .325. Similar to his MVP winning season in 2022 and 2024, Judge has also hit 49 home runs, with over 100 runs batted in and over 100 runs scored himself. In addition, Judge has led the Yankees to a record of 89-68, which has clinched them a spot in the playoffs.

As far as the MVP race goes, many people feel he deserves it, including junior Will Pollenz who noted, “It is obvious Aaron Judge should win the award, he is clearly the best player and he is leading the league in batting average.”

Cal Raleigh

On the other hand, Mariners’ catcher Cal Raleigh has produced one of the best seasons by a catcher in MLB history. He leads the league in home runs with 60, which has broken records such as the most home runs in a single season by a catcher, by a Mariners player, and by a switch hitter. Also, Cal Raleigh won the all star games home run derby. Furthermore, the Mariners are sitting at first place in their division and they have the chance to win it for the first time since 2001, which can be credited mostly to Cal Raleigh.

Many people have recognized his success such as John Walsh, who feels “Cal Raleigh just set so many records for catchers, and this is undoubtedly the best season by a catcher ever. It would be embarrassing if Cal does not win the award.”

So Who Should Win It?

If you placed a bet right now for the MVP, the odds between the two superstars is exactly 50/50, so it comes down to what voters care about more. If they care more about batting average and hits, Judge will win the award. But if they care more about home runs and runs batted in, Cal Raleigh deserves it more.