SEATTLE — As the lights of T-Mobile Park blazed and the cheers of the fans echoed, one question was circulating in MLB meeting rooms, comment channels, and discussion boards: Is Cal Raleigh — with 60 homers, 125 RBIs, and a historic season — on the verge of being named AL MVP? Here’s the complete breakdown — the numbers, the context, the arguments for and against, and the hurdles that still stand in his way.
Raleigh finished the season with 60 home runs — a rare milestone in MLB history, putting him in the 60+ HR club that includes Babe Ruth, Roger Maris, Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa, Barry Bonds, and Aaron Judge. That, combined with his 125 RBIs and .948 OPS, made him an incredible offensive machine from the catcher position—a position that rarely produces true MVP candidates. These stats are a solid foundation for arguing that he “deserves” MVP consideration.
Part of the MVP criteria is looking at what a player does for the team’s results. Raleigh didn’t just hit a home run, he appeared in over 150 games, and he stuck around as a catcher—playing a dual role: a tremendous offensive presence and a defensive burden. The Mariners won the AL West and made a deep run in the playoffs, thanks in part to Raleigh’s decisive contributions at key moments. When a player significantly changes the team’s winning numbers, that’s a big plus in the eyes of the vote.
But the path to MVP isn’t just about numbers. There are still A-listers (like Aaron Judge) who have huge stories and media clout—factors that often win over BBWAA voters. Fox Sports, MLB on FOX, and pundits have offered scenarios comparing Judge and Raleigh — most agree Raleigh is the frontrunner, but that doesn’t mean he’s a surefire winner. Between “absolute performance” and “emotional value/media campaign,” the vote could be split.
Catchers have historically been less likely to receive MVPs because of the wear and tear on their bodies, the complex defensive responsibilities, and the overall statistical bias of other positions. Raleigh was the first catcher to hit 60 HR — a compelling historical argument. If voters want to honor “historic breakthrough seasons” rather than purely comparing WAR or defense, Raleigh has a strong case. But if BBWAA is more about aggregate metrics (WAR, UZR, defensive value), Raleigh’s lack of defensive excellence could weigh down the vote.
Post-playoff public sentiment also matters: Raleigh’s tearful, season-defeat-inducing Game 7 postseason portrayal of him in the media may evoke sympathy or, conversely, prompt some journalists to consider his ‘value for the ultimate goal (World Series)’. A great individual performance but lacking the punch that gets the team to the World Series could be an argument for the opposing side.
A historic individual season — 60 HR + 125 RBI + OPS near 1.000 is a rare denominator;
Direct impact on team results — helping the Mariners win the AL West;
The historical element (a catcher hitting 60 HR) creates a strong emotional boost for voters looking to recognize legacy.
If the BBWAA prioritizes historical narrative and pure offensive impact, Raleigh has a good shot.
Competition from other superstars (e.g., Aaron Judge) with large media coverage; Defense/WAR—if voters favor all-around stats, Raleigh could be voted out; Postseason results—failing to get a team to the World Series could cost a division a stellar individual season.
At this point, given his historical record, direct impact on team wins, and emotional stature, Cal Raleigh is one of the strongest candidates for the AL MVP of the season. But “almost there” or “already there” depends on how the BBWAA weighs personal legacy versus team impact/combined statistical criteria. In short: Raleigh has all the ingredients to win MVP—but the eventual win is still not a given.
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