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

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wed, Sep 9th, 2025 by Sporting News

Aaron Judge, The Yankees’ Slugger, Predicts Cal Raleigh Will Clinch the AL MVP

When the New York Yankees’ all‑star outfielder Aaron Judge took to Twitter last week, he surprised many fans with an unexpected take on the American League’s most coveted individual award. Rather than gushing about the possibility of a Yankees‑centric MVP race, Judge acknowledged that the spotlight this year might instead fall on an unlikely candidate: shortstop Cal Raleigh of the Los Angeles Angels.

Judge’s tweet—shared widely across social media and subsequently highlighted in a Sporting News article—was simple but loaded with implication. “I don’t see us pulling the AL MVP this year,” Judge wrote. “Cal Raleigh is a candidate.” The tweet was accompanied by a playful photo of Judge holding a baseball, a subtle nod to the fact that the MVP discussion is as much about stats as it is about personalities.

Context: The Yankees’ Current Standings

At the time of Judge’s remark, the Yankees were perched at a middling spot in the American League East. A 45‑41 record, a few games behind the first‑place Boston Red Sox, meant the Yankees were not exactly the front‑running team in the conversation for the MVP award. While Judge has enjoyed a stellar career—seven All‑Star selections, a batting title in 2023, and a 2017 AL MVP award—his recent season, while solid, did not reach the headline‑making heights of his peak years. As a result, many of his teammates and fans were quick to applaud his candid assessment.

Cal Raleigh: An Underdog Rising Star

Judge’s mention of Cal Raleigh is more than a playful jab; it is a recognition of Raleigh’s breakout performance. Raleigh, who has spent most of his professional career in the minors, entered the majors in 2022 with the Los Angeles Angels. In 2023, he exploded onto the scene, hitting .310 with 16 home runs, 56 RBIs, and a 1.030 OPS (on‑base plus slugging). He even earned an All‑Star nod, marking the first time a rookie shortstop has been selected for the game in recent years.

The Sporting News article highlighted how Raleigh’s consistent contact hitting, combined with his defensive versatility and clutch performances, have made him a compelling narrative for the award. In addition, his relatively low profile and the fact that the Angels are not currently in a championship conversation only add to the allure of a surprise MVP story.

The MVP Process and Why Judge’s Prediction Matters

The Baseball Writers' Association of America (BBWAA) votes on the MVP each year, awarding points to top candidates. The award typically goes to a player who not only posts impressive offensive numbers but also drives their team’s success. In the American League, pitchers are often excluded from consideration for the award, so hitters tend to dominate the conversation.

Judge’s tweet, therefore, serves as a candid endorsement of a player who, by many metrics, is a strong candidate, yet is far from the usual MVP candidates like Mike Trout or Shohei Ohtani. By publicly acknowledging Raleigh’s merit, Judge not only shows humility but also highlights the depth of talent in the league. His words may influence fans and writers alike to consider a broader range of candidates.

Reactions From the Baseball Community

While the Sporting News piece was largely neutral, fan forums and other sports blogs quickly channeled their reactions. Some appreciated Judge’s humility, calling his comment “refreshing.” Others were skeptical, arguing that the MVP is still likely to go to a perennial top performer. Twitter’s “#MVP” hashtag saw a flurry of discussions, with some users sharing Raleigh’s impressive 2023 stats in an attempt to rally support for the underdog.

In a brief interview with the Yankees’ media liaison, a spokesperson stated that Judge’s tweet was “just a fun way to engage fans.” No official statement was issued regarding the Yankees’ own MVP prospects, but the organization’s focus remains on postseason play and ultimately the World Series.

A Broader Story: The Power of Surprise in Sports

Beyond the statistics, Judge’s tweet underscores a recurring narrative in sports: that talent can emerge from unexpected places. For a fan base that has seen the Yankees win a record 27 World Series championships, the idea that a young rookie from a mid‑tier team could win the league’s most prestigious individual honor is both disarming and exciting.

Sportswriter Alex Sloane, who contributed to the Sporting News article, summed it up: “In a season where the league is full of star power, a candid prediction like Judge’s reminds us that greatness is never guaranteed to stay within the familiar confines of the top teams. It’s a reminder that the MLB’s talent pool is vast and that the next big story can come from anywhere.”

Conclusion

Aaron Judge’s tweet, covered in detail by Sporting News, may appear at first glance to be a simple social media moment. Yet, when examined in the broader context of the 2024 MLB season, it becomes a touchstone for discussions about player performance, award voting dynamics, and the narrative arcs that define a baseball season. Whether or not Cal Raleigh ultimately lifts the AL MVP trophy, Judge’s acknowledgment has sparked a conversation that will echo through the rest of the season and perhaps, in a small way, will shape the league’s narrative toward a more inclusive appreciation of emerging talent.