Judge was better statistically in more pertinent categories than Raleigh, including hits, slash line, OPS, and OPS . He also led the Big Dumper in wins above replacement, accounting for 9.7 to Raleigh’s 7.4.
The Mariners catcher led Judge in games played, missing just three all season long despite playing a physically demanding position, and that may be his most impressive stat.
If that is not enough, Raleigh delivered 60 home runs to Judge’s 53, drove in an AL-leading 125 runs, and stole 14 bases to his opponent’s 12.
Those 60 home runs are the most for a catcher and switch-hitter in MLB history. He was among the best defensively at his position, and he earned Silver Slugger honors for his offensive contributions in 2025.
Judge won the batting title and will rightfully garner support for another stellar year as the captain of baseball’s most visible franchise, but Raleigh rewrote history books this season and in a sport that values its legacy more than any other, that should be enough to win an MVP award that the both earned and deserves.
