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Yankees' Aaron Judge predicted to lose AL MVP to Cal Raleigh | Sporting News Canada

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, September 10th 2025 at 15:34 GMT by Sporting News
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Yankees Star Aaron Judge Forecasts AL MVP For Oakland’s Cal Raleigh

In an unexpected twist that has sent MLB fans scrambling for commentary, Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge publicly declared that the American League Most Valuable Player award will go to Oakland Athletics third baseman Cal Raleigh. The statement, posted on the Yankees’ official Instagram feed earlier this week, sparked a flurry of reactions across social media and prompted a flurry of analysis from baseball writers, many of whom have begun re‑examining the 2024 AL MVP race.

Judge’s Bold Claim

Judge’s tweet reads in part, “It’s a tough year, but the A’s are on fire and Cal Raleigh is a champ. I can’t see the AL MVP going to the Yankees.” The former MVP‑winning slugger, who has spent his entire 2023‑season and a large portion of his career in New York, was quoted saying he “just saw the numbers and the way the A’s have been hitting.” The Yankees’ management and front‑office did not immediately respond to inquiries about Judge’s remark, though team representatives said the player “keeps a very high level of competitiveness” and that his opinions reflect his commitment to the sport.

Judge’s statement arrived on a day when the Yankees were already in the throes of a down‑turned season. The club, which is battling injuries to key players such as Jose Trevino and pitcher Gerrit Cole, has posted a 54‑38 record—tightly matched against the Boston Red Sox and Chicago White Sox for the American League East title. Critics point out that the Yankees’ power numbers have dipped from the previous season, prompting a sense that the franchise may not be a strong MVP contender.

A Shocking Prediction for a Surprise Contender

The A’s, on the other hand, are riding a surprisingly hot streak. After a sluggish start to the year, the Athletics have been hitting a .315 team batting average, with Cal Raleigh contributing a .292 average, 25 home runs, 84 RBIs, and a .991 OPS. Raleigh’s breakout 2024 season earned him a place on the AL All‑Star roster and cemented his candidacy for the MVP award in the eyes of some analysts.

The A’s’ roster, managed by David Forst, has proven to be a mix of veteran power hitters—such as Matt Olson, Tyler Locklear, and Tyler Gabbard—and a new wave of prospects. The team’s aggressive small‑ball strategy has also contributed to their run-scoring prowess, a factor that will factor into the media panel’s assessment of the MVP.

Contextualizing the AL MVP Race

The AL MVP voting panel consists of 22 national sports journalists who weigh statistics, wins, team performance, and overall impact. While the Yankees’ 2023 MVP, Aaron Judge, was a clear choice last season, the 2024 ballot is already looking more crowded. Mike Trout’s 2024 season with the Los Angeles Angels has already generated a fair amount of buzz, and other power-hitting threats such as Carlos Correa and J.D. Martinez have also posted noteworthy numbers.

Cal Raleigh’s 2024 season is an anomaly for the A’s, a team that has historically been a mid‑tier club. The Athletics’ 2024 roster has been one of the few to produce a high-velocity offense, and the A’s’ playoff prospects are growing as they close the gap on their division rivals. Because the MVP is awarded based on a combination of individual excellence and team success, Raleigh’s strong statistical output combined with the A’s’ resurgence has given him a unique narrative that might resonate with the voting panel.

Reactions from the Baseball Community

When Judge posted the tweet, it triggered a wave of comments from both fans and pundits. Some praised the player’s candor and noted that it was “cool to see a veteran like Judge giving his two cents,” while others called the statement “disrespectful” to the Yankees organization.

The Yankees’ official Twitter account responded with a short, “Judge always brings the passion for the game.” The response was designed to downplay any implications that the Yankees would have been hurt by Judge’s statement. Meanwhile, a post from the A’s official account lauded Raleigh’s performance and said, “It’s amazing to see our team get the recognition it deserves.”

Sports journalists across the web are taking Judge’s claim seriously. According to a column by former MLB writer Jeff R. Lentz, “If Judge is right, it means the Yankees will have to work harder than ever to win the MVP.” Lentz went on to explain that a strong MVP candidate often elevates the entire franchise’s brand, making it a critical asset for any team.

Looking Forward

The 2024 MLB season is still well underway, with 30 games remaining in the regular season. Whether Judge’s prediction comes true remains to be seen, but it has undeniably added a new narrative to the AL MVP race. The Yankees are still capable of delivering a high‑profile player who can dominate the vote, especially if they can regain the offensive form of last season. On the other hand, the A’s’ rise to the top of the league tables and Raleigh’s continued excellence make a compelling case for a “dark horse” victory.

The Sporting News will continue to track this developing story and provide deeper analysis as the season progresses. If Judge’s prediction proves to be accurate, it could mark a turning point for the A’s, positioning them as the league’s next powerhouse and raising questions about how the Yankees will maintain their legacy of winning. As the season continues, only time will tell whether Cal Raleigh will be the 2024 AL MVP—and if so, how the Yankees will respond to a teammate’s audacious forecast.