The 2025 MLB MVP race has reached its climax, with the American League showdown between Yankees slugger Aaron Judge and Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh captivating baseball fans worldwide. Judge, the reigning MVP, posted a stellar .331 average with 53 homers, while Raleigh shattered records with 60 home runs and 125 RBIs.
The winner will be revealed on November 14th, with debates raging over whether Judge’s consistency or Raleigh’s historic power surge deserves the crown. Both players carried their teams to playoff contention, making this one of the tightest MVP votes in recent memory.
While Raleigh earned the Players’ Choice Award, Judge’s league-leading batting average and defensive prowess keep him firmly in contention. The baseball world awaits the BBWAA’s final decision.
- The 2025 AL MVP race is a historic showdown between Aaron Judge and Cal Raleigh, with both players having exceptional seasons – Judge’s power surge vs. Raleigh’s unprecedented catcher production.
- Despite Raleigh’s 60 home runs and defensive excellence as a catcher, Judge’s late-season heroics and higher WAR keep him as the favorite according to most analysts.
- The winner will be announced on November 14th, marking one of the closest MVP votes in recent memory between a traditional power hitter and a record-breaking catcher.
MLB MVP 2025: Aaron Judge vs. Cal Raleigh – Who Deserves the Crown?
The 2025 AL MVP race is one for the history books. Aaron Judge, the Yankees’ powerhouse, posted a staggering .331 batting average with 53 HRs and 114 RBIs, while Seattle’s Cal Raleigh shattered records with 60 homers and 125 RBIs despite a .247 average. Judge’s consistency and league-leading batting average make him a classic MVP pick, but Raleigh’s historic power surge as a catcher adds a unique twist.
Historical context weighs heavily: Only 7 players have ever hit 60+ HRs in a season, and none while playing catcher. Raleigh also set the switch-hitter HR record, making this a statistical anomaly. Meanwhile, Judge’s 37 intentional walks (AL record) prove how feared he remains.
The Case for Judge: Tradition vs. Transformation
Judge’s 2025 season mirrors his 2022 MVP year but with sharper discipline. His 1.112 OPS led AL qualifiers, and he became the first Yankee since Mattingly (1984) to win a batting title. Defensively, he saved 7 runs in RF (Statcast) while Raleigh graded as a below-average defender (-3 framing runs).
Did Voters Penalize Raleigh for Playing Half His Games at T-Mobile Park?
Seattle’s pitcher-friendly park cost Raleigh an estimated 12 HRs compared to Yankee Stadium (per MLB Park Factors). His road stats (.271 AVG, 35 HRs) suggest Judge’s home/away splits were more balanced. This sparks debate: Should MVPs be park-adjusted like WAR?
Breaking: Sporting News Already Crowned Raleigh – Is BBWAA Next?
In October, Sporting News‘ players’ poll named Raleigh Player of the Year, a potential bellwether. Since 2018, the BBWAA MVP matched the SN winner 80% of time. However, Judge won BBWAA honors in 2022 when SN picked Altuve, showing divergence.
| Voting Body | 2025 AL MVP | 2024 AL MVP |
|---|---|---|
| BBWAA | TBD (Nov 14) | Shohei Ohtani |
| Sporting News | Cal Raleigh | Aaron Judge |
The Jose Ramírez Wildcard
Cleveland’s 3B delivered a stealthy 30 HR/44 SB season with elite defense. While overshadowed, his 8.2 WAR (per Baseball-Reference) topped Raleigh’s 7.9. Darkhorse votes could swing the outcome.
Where to Watch MLB MVP Announcement Live – Streaming Details
The BBWAA reveal airs November 14 at 6 PM ET on MLB Network. Key streaming options include:
- MLB.TV (subscription required)
- ESPN+ with simulcast
- Local network affiliates for regional coverage
Judge’s Legacy: Chasing Mantle vs. Raleigh’s Piazza Moment
A Judge win would tie him with Mantle (3 MVPs) for most by a Yankee position player. Raleigh, meanwhile, could become the first catcher since Piazza (1993) to win with sub-.260 average. This dichotomy exemplifies MLB’s evolving value metrics.