Cal Raleigh may not have taken home the Most Valuable Player Award, but he certainly earned the respect of the man who did

By Ryan K Boman | ON SI at Sports Illustrated | Nov 16, 2025

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Cal Raleigh was announced this week as the runner-up for the American League MVP award, behind winner Aaron Judge, as the Yankees slugger received 17 first-place votes out of 30. The Mariners catcher received the other 13 tallies.

While Raleigh put up amazing power numbers, blasting 60 home runs with 125 RBI, it was his batting average that likely doomed his chances. He only hit .247 in 2025. Meanwhile, Judge led the American League, hitting .331, with 53 home runs, 114 RBIs, and 137 runs scored. With that, the Bronx Bomber captured his third Most Valuable Player trophy.

According to MLB.com’s Daniel Kramer, over the course of an epic season, the two supposed rivals bonded and each player earned the other’s respect. Judge reiterated that point this week.

“I could sit here and talk all night about the player that he is,” Judge said. “But I think, really, the type of leader and… Read More HERE

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