Why Cal Raleigh Should Be the 2024 AL MVP

The 2023 American League MVP race got people talking like few others in recent memory. Yankees slugger Aaron Judge took home the award, but Seattle Times columnist Mike Vorel makes a pretty convincing case for Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh as the real “most valuable.”

Judge’s numbers at the plate were wild, no doubt. Still, Raleigh mixed historic offense with exceptional defense, leadership, and clutch moments that pushed Seattle into the postseason. Let’s dig into why Vorel — and a lot of Mariners fans — think Raleigh should’ve edged out Judge.

Historic Offensive Season from Behind the Plate

Cal Raleigh’s 2023 wasn’t just good, it was one for the books. He launched 60 home runs, setting a new mark for Mariners, catchers, and switch-hitters alike.

He led the American League in homers and drove in 125 runs, topping the RBI charts. That kind of output from a catcher? You hardly ever see it. No wonder people started tossing his name around in MVP debates.

Statistical Dominance in Key Moments

The 60-homer headline grabs attention, but Raleigh’s knack for timely hitting really set him apart. His bat seemed to wake up when Seattle needed it most — batting .285 with 47 home runs in wins, but just .200 in losses.

Those weren’t just numbers on a page; they were the kind of hits that actually swung games in Seattle’s favor. That’s the stuff fans remember.

Leadership That Went Beyond the Diamond

Vorel’s argument for Raleigh didn’t stop at offense. Raleigh caught 1,072 innings without a single passed ball, which is just nuts.

He worked with a whopping 13 different pitchers as injuries shuffled the rotation. That takes serious stamina and focus, and it pretty much made him the glue of the Mariners’ defense.

Off-Field Impact That Sparked Change

Raleigh’s leadership wasn’t just about what happened on the field. In 2023, he called out Mariners ownership publicly, urging them to invest in a winner.

That bold move resonated with fans and, as Vorel points out, helped spark some roster upgrades for the playoff chase. It’s rare to see a young big-leaguer speak up like that, and it definitely made waves in the clubhouse.

Clutch Performances That Defined the Season

One moment really sums up Raleigh’s MVP case. On September 24, he crushed two home runs to seal the AL West title for Seattle.

Those were high-pressure games, and Raleigh came through. His ability to deliver in the biggest spots? That’s what “value” really looks like in baseball.

Understanding “Most Valuable” Beyond Numbers

Judge’s batting stats were off the charts, but Vorel argues there’s more to value than just numbers. For Raleigh, it meant:

• Putting up huge offensive numbers as a catcher
• Staying healthy and steady on defense
• Guiding a constantly changing pitching staff
• Speaking up to push the organization forward
• Coming through in the clutch when it mattered most

The Final Tally and the Ongoing Debate

The 2023 AL MVP vote was razor-close. Judge finished with 355 points and 17 first-place votes. Raleigh was right behind with 335 points and 13 first-place nods.

That slim margin? It shows just how strong Raleigh’s case really was — and why this debate probably isn’t going away soon.

Why Mariners Fans Feel Raleigh Was Robbed

In Seattle, fans saw up close just how important Raleigh was to the team’s success. He mattered both in the stats and in the clubhouse vibe.

To locals—and to Mike Vorel—his contributions really captured what the MVP award should mean. It’s not only about the best hitter; it’s about the player who actually changes the outcome when it matters.

From the dugout to the batter’s box, Raleigh left his mark on the Mariners’ turnaround in 2023. You could feel his presence everywhere, honestly.

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Here is the source article for this story: Why Mariners star Cal Raleigh is the rightful AL MVP