What's Happening?
Cal Raleigh of the Seattle Mariners has had a historic season, breaking records previously held by baseball legends. Raleigh hit his 55th home run of the season, surpassing Mickey Mantle's record for the most home runs in a season by a switch-hitter. He later tied Ken Griffey Jr.'s franchise record with his 56th home run. Raleigh's performance has been pivotal in the Mariners clinching the AL West division title. As the postseason approaches, Raleigh is a strong contender for the AL MVP award, with his main competition being Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees. MLB Network's Yonder Alonso highlighted Raleigh's impact by questioning whether the Mariners would have won the division without his contributions, contrasting it with the Yankees' depth that might have allowed them to reach the postseason even if Judge missed games.
Why It's Important?
Raleigh's exceptional performance has not only propelled the Mariners to a division title but also sparked a significant MVP debate. His achievements highlight the importance of individual contributions in team success, especially in a sport where one player's performance can significantly influence outcomes. The debate between Raleigh and Judge for the MVP award underscores the broader discussion about what constitutes 'value' in baseball. While Judge is a known quantity with a strong track record, Raleigh's breakout season challenges traditional MVP considerations, potentially influencing future voting criteria and discussions about player impact.
