The 2025 baseball season has wrapped up for both the Seattle Mariners and the New York Yankees, with neither team advancing to the World Series after being ousted by the Toronto Blue Jays. For star players Cal Raleigh of the Mariners and Aaron Judge of the Yankees, the focus now shifts to the American League Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, set to be announced in November. The MVP race has sparked heated debates all summer, and one bold voice has emerged, making a surprising case that has baseball fans buzzing.
Seattle Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto, who has led the team since 2015, didn’t hesitate to throw his support behind his catcher, Cal Raleigh. In a statement that raised eyebrows across the baseball world, Dipoto made his case clear, as reported by Aaron Levine, Fox 13 Sports Director in Seattle:
“I think (Aaron Judge) is an unbelievable player – cruise into the Hall of Fame, first ballot. But I can’t imagine he did more to help his team get to where they needed to get to than Cal, on every front.”
Dipoto’s endorsement of Raleigh over Judge, a player widely regarded as one of baseball’s elite, is a bold move. It’s the kind of loyalty you expect from a good organization, but it’s also a direct challenge to the narrative surrounding Judge’s dominance.
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Not to be outdone, Yankees manager Aaron Boone, who has coached Judge since 2018, made his own case for his superstar at the end of September. Speaking to Max Goodman of NJ.com, Boone didn’t hold back:
“Nothing Aaron Judge does surprises me. I mean, to me, he’s the clear-cut MVP. Batting title. I feel like he’s been on base seven times a day the last week. Whether they don’t pitch to him, pitch to him, hitting it out of the ballpark. Made a really good play in right field to open the game. You see his athleticism out there. I don’t put anything past 99. He’s playing like an all-time great.”
Boone’s glowing praise highlights Judge’s all-around brilliance, from his offensive prowess to his defensive contributions. It’s the kind of endorsement that aligns with the statistical case for Judge’s MVP candidacy.
When it comes to the numbers, Aaron Judge’s 2025 season is nothing short of historic. According to both Fangraphs and Baseball Reference, Judge boasts a higher Wins Above Replacement (WAR) than Raleigh. His batting average, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage dwarf those of his Mariners counterpart. Most notably, Judge’s weighted Runs Created Plus (wRC+) of 204 is a mark of rare excellence, a feat not seen since his own performances in 2022 and 2024. The last player before Judge to surpass a 200 wRC+ was Barry Bonds in 2004, with Mickey Mantle being the generational slugger before him to achieve such a milestone. Judge is undeniably in elite company.
Cal Raleigh’s case for MVP isn’t without merit. As a catcher, his role is uniquely demanding, and his contributions behind the plate, combined with his offensive output, make him a vital part of the Mariners’ success. While Raleigh hasn’t hit 60 home runs—a mark no catcher has ever reached—his impact on both sides of the ball is undeniable. Dipoto’s argument hinges on Raleigh’s ability to elevate his team in ways that transcend raw statistics, a sentiment that resonates with those who value the intangibles of leadership and defensive excellence.
If Aaron Judge were to lose the MVP to Raleigh, it would likely be a case of voter fatigue. The evidence for Judge’s dominance is overwhelming, and his 2025 season places him among baseball’s all-time greats. A third MVP award would put Judge in the exclusive company of legends like Barry Bonds, Mike Trout, Albert Pujols, Alex Rodriguez, Mike Schmidt, Mickey Mantle, Yogi Berra, Roy Campanella, Stan Musial, Joe DiMaggio, and Jimmie Foxx. This is a rare class of greatness, and Judge’s performance this year makes a compelling case for his inclusion.
While Dipoto’s support for Raleigh is admirable, the numbers and historical context tilt heavily in Aaron Judge’s favor. Raleigh’s contributions as a catcher are significant, but Judge’s otherworldly offensive and defensive performance make him the frontrunner for the 2025 AL MVP. As the baseball world awaits the November announcement, the debate rages on: will voters reward Judge’s historic season, or will Raleigh’s unique impact steal the spotlight? One thing is certain—this MVP race is one for the ages.