The world of Major League Baseball has always held a special reverence for catchers. These rare athletes blend defensive mastery, in-game leadership, and steady offense in a way that’s honestly pretty tough to find.
With the American League MVP race narrowing to Aaron Judge and Cal Raleigh, former **MVP catcher** and current San Francisco Giants president of baseball operations, Buster Posey, is making headlines by backing Raleigh. Posey’s endorsement comes from shared experiences at the position and a bond through *Florida State University*, which gives him a unique view on Raleigh’s rise in a game where elite catchers are getting harder to come by.
Buster Posey’s Bond with Cal Raleigh
Posey isn’t just tossing out opinions from the sidelines. His support for Raleigh runs deep, both professionally and personally.
Back in 2012, after overcoming a brutal ankle injury, Posey put together a stellar season. He hit .336 with 24 home runs and 103 RBIs, becoming the first catcher to lead the National League in batting since 1942.
He knows firsthand how tough it is for a catcher to shine offensively while handling the physical grind of the job. That’s not something you forget.
Raleigh’s Rise in the Majors
Cal Raleigh’s path hasn’t been flashy, but it’s impressive all the same. Drafted in the third round in 2018, Raleigh worked his way into the Mariners’ starting lineup by 2022.
He’s known for his big power at the plate and steady leadership behind it. People around the league see him as one of the most promising, multi-talented catchers out there.
This combo is what catches Posey’s eye—and what makes Raleigh a real MVP contender in an era packed with sluggers and ace pitchers.
The Giants and the Possibility of a Raleigh Reunion
Since Posey took over baseball operations in San Francisco in 2024, some have wondered if he’d try to bring Raleigh to the Giants. But the Giants already have Patrick Bailey, a defensive standout and rising leader, so that kind of move looks unlikely.
Still, just the idea says a lot about how much value Raleigh has around MLB.
The Rarity of Elite Catchers
Whether it’s Bailey in San Francisco or Raleigh in Seattle, just about everyone in baseball agrees: *elite catchers are a rare commodity*. Phillies president Dave Dombrowski has been loud about the need to re-sign veteran J.T. Realmuto, which really drives home the point that true two-way catchers—guys who hit and handle the defense—are the backbone of championship teams.
Challenges Facing Other Teams
Lots of organizations struggle to lock down the catcher spot. Teams like the Padres and Marlins keep cycling through trades, drafts, and free agents, always searching for a steady backstop.
The Marlins’ Peter Bendix points out just how tricky the job is. You need defensive mechanics, pitch framing, leadership in the clubhouse, and offensive consistency. Not many athletes can do all that, which makes them incredibly valuable and tough to replace.
The Mariners’ Catcher Depth
Seattle’s in a different boat. With Raleigh leading the way, top prospect Harry Ford waiting in the wings, and 2025 draft pick Luke Stevenson on the horizon, the Mariners have one of the deepest catching pipelines in baseball.
Most teams scramble to find even one solid catcher. Seattle’s got a surplus, which gives them strength now and flexibility for the future.
Why Catchers Matter in MVP Conversations
Catching is just a brutal position, mentally and physically. It’s not just about the numbers—catchers manage pitchers, control the running game, and set the tone for the whole defense.
In MVP debates, people often overlook this stuff and focus on home runs or highlight-reel plays. But Posey’s support for Raleigh is a reminder: catchers bring massive value, even if it doesn’t always show up on the stat sheet.
- Catching demands defensive excellence, some offensive punch, and leadership.
- Elite catchers like Posey, Realmuto, and Raleigh can shape a franchise’s identity.
- Teams with real depth at the position, like Seattle, get a serious competitive edge.
- Because complete catchers are so rare, their trade and contract value just keeps climbing.
Looking Ahead
MVP votes are right around the corner. Raleigh’s candidacy—especially with Posey’s backing—reminds us how rare and valued elite catchers have become in baseball.
If Raleigh manages to snag the award, he’ll join Posey in a tiny, prestigious club. That would only boost the status of catchers in today’s game.
Win or lose, Raleigh’s rise is already shifting how people see the position. Catchers aren’t just defensive specialists anymore; they can drive a team’s success in ways that matter.
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Here is the source article for this story: MLB’s last MVP catcher rooting for Cal Raleigh to join exclusive club
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