The 2025 MLB season's most exciting debate centers around the American League MVP award. While the winner will soon be revealed, the discussion between the Seattle Mariners' Cal Raleigh and the New York Yankees' Aaron Judge has captivated fans and analysts alike. Both players had outstanding seasons, leading to a captivating MVP race that showcases the complexities of evaluating player performance in baseball.
The debate between Raleigh and Judge reflects the longstanding tradition of MVP discussions, where various metrics and considerations come into play. AXE, a player rating system based on key performance metrics, often helps to differentiate between top contenders. In the 2025 AL AXE leaders, Judge emerged as the frontrunner, showcasing a significant lead over other candidates like Raleigh and Bobby Witt Jr.
Judge's exceptional season, marked by impressive statistics such as a high batting average, home runs, RBIs, and runs scored, positions him as a strong candidate for the MVP award. However, Raleigh's historic feat of hitting 60 home runs, setting records for catchers and switch-hitters, adds a unique dimension to the discussion. The comparison between Judge and Raleigh delves into the essence of what it means to be the "Most Valuable Player."
Looking back at past MVP debates, such as the 1979 AL voting where metrics like Wins Above Replacement cWARc played a crucial role, highlights the evolution of how players are evaluated for the MVP award. While traditional metrics like batting average and RBIs held sway in the past, the advent of advanced statistics has reshaped how players' contributions are assessed.
The discussion between Judge and Raleigh also raises questions about the importance of narratives and intangibles in MVP voting. While Judge's consistent excellence and leadership for the Yankees make a strong case for his candidacy, Raleigh's breakout season and historic achievements add a compelling narrative element to the debate.
Analyzing WAR and probability added metrics further accentuates the contrasting performances of Judge and Raleigh. While both players shine in various statistical categories, Judge's overall impact on win probability and championship probability stands out, solidifying his case for the MVP award from a statistical perspective.
Ultimately, the MVP decision between Judge and Raleigh goes beyond numbers and metrics. It embodies the essence of the award, recognizing both players' outstanding contributions to their teams and the game of baseball. Regardless of the outcome, the spirited debate between Judge and Raleigh showcases the beauty of the MVP award and the enduring allure of baseball's most prestigious individual honor.