The 2025 American League MVP race wrapped up with New York Yankees captain Aaron Judge once again standing atop the baseball world. In a nail-biting vote, Judge barely edged out Seattle Mariners star catcher Cal Raleigh to claim the honor for the second straight year—and the third time in his career.
This achievement puts Judge among some of the most legendary names in Major League history. It also adds another chapter to a growing rivalry between two of the league’s brightest stars.
Aaron Judge Joins Elite Company
By winning the 2025 AL MVP, Aaron Judge becomes just the 13th player in MLB history to earn the award three times. Among Yankees legends, only Joe DiMaggio, Yogi Berra, and Mickey Mantle have reached that milestone.
That’s rarified air, and it really cements Judge’s place as one of the franchise’s all-time greats.
Judge’s Dominant 2025 Campaign
Judge’s numbers? Honestly, they’re wild. The Yankees captain posted a slash line of .331/.457/.688, leading the league in average, on-base percentage, and slugging.
He crushed 53 home runs, trailing only Cal Raleigh’s jaw-dropping 60. His 9.7 Wins Above Replacement (WAR) beat the next-best player by 1.7, showing just how much he meant to the Yankees on both sides of the ball.
People watching the Yankees this season saw a player in total command at the plate. Judge mixed power with discipline, just tearing apart pitching staffs all year.
It wasn’t just about the home runs. He brought consistency, leadership, and carried a Yankees lineup desperate for postseason glory.
Cal Raleigh’s Historic Home Run Record
While Judge grabbed the MVP trophy, Cal Raleigh put together a season for the ages. His 60 home runs set single-season records for:
- A catcher
- A switch-hitter
- A Seattle Mariners player
The Numbers Behind Raleigh’s Excellence
Raleigh wasn’t just a power threat—he was a defensive workhorse, too. He logged over 1,072 innings as a catcher and led the American League with 125 RBIs.
His 9.1 WAR really says it all, reflecting both his offensive firepower and his durability behind the plate. It’s one of the most remarkable seasons you’ll ever see from a catcher.
Raleigh’s ability to combine elite offense with the grind of catching shows just how valuable he is. You’ve got to think more awards could be coming his way.
José RamÃrez Adds to His Own Legacy
Cleveland Guardians star José RamÃrez finished third in MVP voting, but don’t overlook what he did. He hit .283 with 30 home runs and 44 stolen bases, giving him his third career 30-30 season—which is pretty rare.
That blend of speed and power makes him one of the most versatile threats in baseball.
A Quiet but Consistent Superstar
RamÃrez didn’t have the headline-grabbing numbers of Judge or Raleigh, but his steady play keeps him in MVP talks every single year.
He’s still the engine of Cleveland’s lineup and a leader on the field.
The Bigger Picture for the Yankees
Judge’s MVP run comes with a catch—the Yankees still haven’t captured a World Series title during his reign. His individual accolades keep stacking up, but team glory’s been out of reach.
Yankee fans are hoping this latest award sparks a real championship push in 2026. Maybe this time, it’ll finally happen.
Placing Judge Among the Game’s Modern Greats
The MVP voting wraps up before the postseason even starts. Judge’s win speaks to his regular-season brilliance alone.
That puts him right up there with the most celebrated players of the modern era. He’s a towering figure—literally and in the way he impacts the game.
As the 2025 season slips into the past, baseball fans will remember it for Aaron Judge’s standout year. Cal Raleigh delivered an unforgettable offensive surge, and José RamÃrez flashed his rare talent again.
These three stars lit up the diamond in their own ways. The AL MVP race will stick in people’s minds, not just for its winner, but for the amazing performances that made it a real contest.
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Here is the source article for this story: Aaron Judge named American League MVP: Yankees slugger beats Mariners’ Cal Raleigh
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