It’s not often that a catcher sees himself mentioned in the same MVP breath as a slugger like Aaron Judge. Yet this season, that’s exactly what’s happening. A switch-hitting catcher from the Mariners is turning heads and rewriting expectations, one towering home run and laser throw at a time.

While the Yankees captain continues to show his elite power on the East Coast, Cal Raleigh’s all-around brilliance has sparked a compelling MVP thought process of his own and now, with a baseball veteran stepping in to highlight his admiration, the race between two very distinctive stars is heating up in ways no one saw coming.

It began with a seat at the same table. Last November, Raleigh found himself sitting beside the elite catcher to ever do it—Johnny Bench—at the Rawlings Gold Glove dinner. What began as a casual interaction has become something far more effective: admiration, which is loud, proud, and attention-worthy. Bench, the two-time MVP and 14-time All-Star, did not just enjoy the feast; he identified a new favorite in the Mariners’ rising star. “Believe me, I am paying close attention,” Bench said and added, “I love watching everything he does. It is just so impressive.”

That statement is a legacy-level endorsement. Bench has revolutionized the catching position and now sees something elite in Raleigh. “He’s not afraid to throw, I love watching him call a game, I love watching him drive in runs,” he said. Such praise hits harder when the Mariners star’s numbers back it up: 26 home runs before mid-June, tied for the MLB lead, with a .998 OPS and elite defensive metrics to boot. In fact, he is closing in on Bench’s personal pre-All-Star break HR record, which is 28, and placing himself as the ultimate dual-threat in MLB’s toughest position.

However, Bench’s support is not just related to numbers—it is related to effect. Raleigh has gained attention by producing at the plate and behind it. Last year, the star won the AL Platinum Glove. Further, Raleigh has already matched Gary Carter’s historic mark for throwing out the most runners in back-to-back seasons. The respect from his pitchers is unmatched—Luis Castillo tagged him as “our anchor,” while Mitch Garver praised Raleigh’s complete transformation from bat-first catcher to defensive force. Add to that his managerial aspect in the team, and it is clear this is no ordinary MVP campaign—it is a full-blown movement.

With Aaron Judge’s monster season providing stiff competition, Raleigh’s all-around brilliance and Bench’s endorsement could be the spark that finally tips the scales. But if the 33-year-old’s history is anything to go by, then we should not take him lightly. In the Yankees vs. Red Sox series opening game, Judge reached a milestone that was somewhat of an achievement in itself. Back at the Yankee Stadium, the Yankees beat the Boston Red Sox 9–6, and a considerable chunk of the credit for this goes to Judge’s exceptional 3-for-5 performance, including a sharp double. It was the clutch night that pushed the Yankees to a strong 39-24, granting them good control of the AL East.

While Bench’s ringing endorsement brought MLB’s attention to Raleigh’s MVP-worthy effectiveness, it is his closest circle that provides a more intimate look into what is driving this historic run.

The human engine behind Cal Raleigh’s MVP campaign

Behind every highlight reel and number stands a story rarely visible to the average fan. For Cal Raleigh, this story is stitched with family, humility, and a work ethic designed long before his MLB dominance. His father, Todd Raleigh, has been more than a proud parent—he has been a lifelong coach, sounding board, and sometimes a batting practice pitcher. Todd’s thought process cuts through the online buzz with something more personal: “Some of Cal’s best tools are not just physical,” Todd said. “The head and the heart don’t always get the recognition, but I feel like people are starting to see that in Cal,” he added. Such a thought process has fueled Cal’s laser aim in 2025, where enhanced plate discipline and a healthier frame have taken the star’s performance to another level.

However, the motivation goes beyond mechanics. For his family, this season has been related to moments—cherishing each one, soaking in each milestone. Whether it is Todd reminiscing related to throwing five million practice pitches and joking related to joining Cal in the Home Run Derby as his BP arm, the pride is as grounded as it is enormous. From AI-generated family memes to vital reactions from grandma after a four-strikeout night, these are the threads that keep Cal centered. It is this off-field base—equal parts humor, help, and drive—which has helped him block out distractions, remain consistent, and quietly emerge as not just a top MVP contender, however, a complete superstar of baseball.

Raleigh’s 2025 surge is not just a product of raw power and polished defense; it is the culmination of belief from veterans, steady family support, and relentless self-enhancement. As the MVP race with Judge heats up, his story continues to resonate deeper than numbers.

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