What's Happening?
Cal Raleigh, the catcher for the Seattle Mariners, is being highlighted in the American League MVP race due to his exceptional catching skills. While Aaron Judge of the Yankees is known for his high OPS, Raleigh's contribution as a catcher is being emphasized. Raleigh has broken records for home runs by a catcher, a switch-hitter, and a Mariner. His defensive metrics, particularly the ERA of pitchers when he is catching, are significantly better compared to when Mitch Garver is catching. This has sparked discussions about Raleigh's value in the MVP race.
Why It's Important?
The debate over Cal Raleigh's MVP candidacy underscores the evolving metrics used to evaluate player performance in baseball. Traditionally, offensive statistics like OPS have dominated MVP discussions. However, Raleigh's case highlights the importance of defensive contributions, particularly in the catching position. This shift in focus could influence how future MVP candidates are assessed, potentially benefiting players who excel in less quantifiable aspects of the game. For the Mariners, Raleigh's performance is crucial as they aim for success in the league.
