Cal Raleigh vs All MVP-Winning Catchers A Comprehensive Comparison
The Seattle Mariners are gearing up for an important Game 7 against the Toronto Blue Jays in the American League Championship Series. This pivotal matchup could lead the Mariners to their first appearance in the World Series, a milestone they have yet to achieve since their inception. With this context, Cal Raleigh, the Mariners’ standout catcher, finds himself in the spotlight not only for his team’s championship aspirations but also for the coveted AL MVP award.
Cal Raleigh’s MVP-Winning Credentials
As the AL MVP race heats up, Cal Raleigh is in contention to become the first catcher to win the award since 2012. He is competing closely with Yankees’ star Aaron Judge, another strong contender this year. If Raleigh edges out Judge, he would be the 13th catcher in Major League Baseball (MLB) history to win the MVP award.
To date, Raleigh has set impressive season records, boasting a remarkable performance with a slash line of .247/.359/.589. This includes 147 hits, 110 runs, 60 home runs, and 125 RBIs—career highs across multiple statistics. His achievements not only position him for an MVP win but also serve as milestones in MLB history.
Raleigh vs. Judge: A Season in Review
Raleigh’s season statistics are compelling compared to Judge’s outstanding performance. Here’s a summary of their stats:
| Player | Year | Batting Average | Home Runs | RBIs | OPS | WAR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cal Raleigh | 2025 | .247 | 60 | 125 | .948 | 7.3 |
| Aaron Judge | 2025 | .331 | 53 | 114 | 1.144 | 9.7 |
Raleigh led all of MLB in home runs this season, while Judge topped the league in several categories, including WAR and OPS. Ultimately, Raleigh’s season showcases his exceptional batting power, despite a lower batting average compared to his competitor.
A Historic Comparison of MVP-Winning Catchers
The MVP award has been a prestigious accolade within baseball, particularly for catchers. Below is a list of notable MVP-winning catchers:
- Bob O’Farrell – 1926 – .293 BA, 7 HRs, 68 RBIs
- Mickey Cochrane – 1928 – .293 BA, 10 HRs, 57 RBIs
- Yogi Berra – 1951 – .294 BA, 27 HRs, 88 RBIs
- Johnny Bench – 1970 – .293 BA, 45 HRs, 148 RBIs
- Buster Posey – 2012 – .336 BA, 24 HRs, 103 RBIs
Raleigh’s record of 60 home runs stands as the highest ever for a catcher in a single season. This feat adds to the historical context of his potential MVP win, as he surpasses many past winners in home run production. However, unlike many predecessors, Raleigh’s batting average sits below .270, which could impact perceptions of his candidacy.
The Road Ahead
As the Mariners face the Blue Jays, Raleigh has a pivotal opportunity to leave his mark in both the postseason and the MVP race. A win in this high-stakes game could solidify his role as a key player in Mariners history while also propelling him toward becoming a recognized MVP winner. The intersection of potential World Series glory and individual accolades makes this moment crucial for both Raleigh and the Seattle Mariners.
