By Mark Constance
Few names draw more attention in the American League MVP race than Aaron Judge.
His power numbers are outstanding, and few players can match his ability to change a game with one swing of the bat. But the MVP is not simply about who compiles the gaudiest offensive statistics—it is about who provides the greatest overall value to his team.
By that measure, Cal Raleigh has a case that should not be ignored.
Judge’s contributions are almost entirely tied to offense. A presence at the plate, his defense in the outfield has declined, which has made it difficult for him to cut down runners or impact the game from his position. And, the Yankees would have made the playoffs without him.
Raleigh, by contrast, plays catcher, a role universally recognized as the most physically demanding and strategically important spot on the diamond.
A catcher is engaged in every pitch of every game, responsible not just for receiving throws, but also for framing, blocking, calling games, and managing pitchers—all while enduring the constant grind of squatting, taking foul tips, and reacting instantly to balls in the dirt.
The fact that Raleigh has been able to shoulder these responsibilities while producing significant power numbers offensively is nothing short of remarkable. Catchers who can contribute at this level with the bat are rare, and that scarcity underscores his value.
Judge’s offensive output may exceed Raleigh’s, but it comes from a position where offense is expected, and easier. A catcher who can anchor a pitching staff and still provide meaningful production at the plate has an impact that stretches far beyond the box score.
This raises an important question: if a catcher with Raleigh’s combination of defensive workload, leadership, and offensive production is not in serious contention for MVP, then can a catcher ever realistically win?
If the award defaults only to outfield sluggers or DH, then it risks becoming one-dimensional, much like the Heisman Trophy in football, which has historically been confined to quarterbacks and running backs while the nomination committee says it’s open to all players.
That would be a disservice to the sport and to the very definition of “value.”
Ultimately, MVP should recognize the player who makes his team better in the broadest and deepest ways.
Judge’s power is undeniable, but his impact is narrow. Raleigh’s value comes from his leadership behind the plate, his influence on every pitcher who takes the mound, his physical endurance, and his ability to contribute offensively despite the extraordinary demands of his position.
That is what true value looks like, and why Cal Raleigh deserves to be viewed as the league’s Most Valuable Player.
