The debate for the American League’s Most Valuable Player award is heating up as the postseason approaches. Both Cal Raleigh of the Seattle Mariners and Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees were contenders, but both teams were eliminated from playoff contention by the Toronto Blue Jays.
Executive Support for Mariners’ Cal Raleigh
Jerry Dipoto, the general manager of the Seattle Mariners since 2015, has voiced his strong support for Raleigh as the MVP. Dipoto acknowledged Judge’s talent but emphasized Raleigh’s overall contribution to his team. “I think Aaron Judge is an unbelievable player – a clear Hall of Fame candidate,” Dipoto stated. “But I can’t imagine he did more to help his team than Cal did.”
Boone Backs Judge’s Credentials
In contrast, Yankees manager Aaron Boone stands firmly behind Judge, highlighting his consistent performance throughout the season. According to Boone, Judge has established himself as the “clear-cut MVP.” He praised Judge’s batting skills, athleticism, and recent performance on the field.
MVP Statistics: Judge vs. Raleigh
The statistics support Boone’s position, as Judge holds a higher Wins Above Replacement (WAR) on multiple platforms including Fangraphs and Baseball Reference. His batting average, on-base percentage, and slugging numbers far exceed Raleigh’s.
| Player | WAR | Batting Average | On-Base Percentage | Slugging |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aaron Judge | Value Here | Value Here | Value Here | Value Here |
| Cal Raleigh | Value Here | Value Here | Value Here | Value Here |
In addition, Judge achieved a wRC+ of 204, the highest since Barry Bonds in 2004. This statistic places Judge among a select group of elite players.
Conclusion: A Tough Decision Ahead
The choice for the MVP award remains contentious. While Judge has exceptional numbers supporting his candidacy, Raleigh’s unique achievements as a catcher add complexity to the voting decision. As the announcement approaches in November, baseball fans eagerly await the outcome of this fierce competition.
