The race for the American League MVP award is heating up, with two standout sluggers emerging as the frontrunners. Aaron Judge, the captain of the New York Yankees, and Cal Raleigh, the catcher for the Seattle Mariners, have been putting up impressive numbers throughout the first half of the season.
MLB analyst Mark DeRosa recently highlighted the top five players who have excelled in the first half of the season. While he praised Zack Wheeler, Pete Crow-Armstrong, and others, he ultimately placed Aaron Judge at the top spot, with Cal Raleigh closely behind at number two. DeRosa lauded Judge for his consistent performance and ability to thrive under the pressure of playing for the Yankees.
DeRosa emphasized that the MVP race in the AL is primarily between Judge and Raleigh. He acknowledged Raleigh’s historic achievements as a catcher but pointed out that Judge’s offensive numbers give him the edge in the MVP conversation. Judge currently leads the MLB with a .355 batting average and 35 home runs, while Raleigh leads in home runs with 38 and RBIs with 82.
Despite Judge’s statistical advantage, analysts have noted Raleigh’s exceptional power season as a catcher. Raleigh himself humbly deflected comparisons to Judge, acknowledging the Yankee slugger’s talent and legacy in the game.
As the MLB season progresses into the second half, the MVP race remains tight between Judge and Raleigh. Judge’s offensive prowess and consistency make him a strong contender for the award, but Raleigh’s remarkable performance as a catcher could sway the voters in his favor.
In conclusion, the battle for the AL MVP award is shaping up to be a thrilling showdown between Aaron Judge and Cal Raleigh. Both players have demonstrated their exceptional skills and impact on their respective teams, making it a tough decision for voters to determine the ultimate winner. Stay tuned to see who will emerge victorious in this closely contested race.
