Cal Raleigh’s MVP Case: More Than Just Home Runs
SEATTLE – May 15, 2024 – Cal Raleigh, the Seattle Mariners catcher, is generating critically important buzz as a potential MVP candidate. His remarkable performance includes a projected 58 home runs, surpassing the current record for catchers, alongside a career-high batting average. This analysis explores how Raleigh’s contributions extend well beyond the familiar home runs, contributing to a compelling narrative that could see him win the coveted award.
Cal Raleigh’s MVP Case: More Than just Home Runs
Cal Raleigh, the Seattle Mariners catcher, is having a season that could land him in the Major League Baseball record books. His current trajectory points to a potential 58 home runs,a figure that would eclipse the single-season record for catchers,which stands at 48. Currently, he leads the American League with 19 home runs. Beyond the power numbers, Raleigh is also showing meaningful improvement at the plate, boasting career-highs with a .256 batting average and a .371 on-base percentage.
The MVP Question
Raleigh’s offensive statistics, combined with his defensive skills as the 2024 AL Platinum Glove winner, position him as a potential MVP candidate. But can he actually win the coveted award?
Expert Opinion
Jon Morosi of MLB Network weighed in on Raleigh’s MVP chances, stating:
I think he’ll get some votes on ballots. Now, does that mean he’ll finish first? Hard to say.But I’ll say this, we have not seen many catchers in the American League in recent years put up numbers like what Cal Raleigh is doing. … He is one of the moast valuable players in the American League.
Jon Morosi, MLB Network
Morosi emphasized the rarity of Raleigh’s offensive output from the catcher position in recent years.
The competition
While Raleigh’s performance is noteworthy, he faces stiff competition in the form of the reigning AL MVP, Aaron Judge. Judge is only one home run behind Raleigh and is hitting .395 with a .492 on-base percentage.However, Raleigh’s impact extends beyond offensive numbers.
The Intangible value
Morosi highlighted Raleigh’s work with the Mariners’ pitching staff as a unique factor in his MVP case.
As someone that voted for the MVP before, I would look quite favorably upon his argument if, of course, the Mariners win the division (and) if he continues to have this level of production, as his impact is not just on the offensive side (with) the home runs.The defensive value to this team is something truly unusual.
Jon Morosi, MLB Network
The defensive contributions and leadership behind the plate add another dimension to Raleigh’s value.
Did You Know?
The single-season home run record for catchers is 48, set by johnny Bench in 1970. Cal Raleigh is on pace to potentially break this record by a significant margin.
Beyond the Numbers
Morosi stressed the importance of considering factors beyond customary statistics when evaluating Raleigh’s MVP candidacy.
What I would stress to all the voters … is that the catching position is the one spot where you really cannot just go on wins above replacement, what the numbers say. You really have to watch this guy’s team play and understand how crucial he is to properly fill out your ballot. And I just hope that everybody really takes a look at the context in which Raleigh is putting up these extraordinary numbers.
Jon Morosi, MLB Network
He urged voters to consider the context of Raleigh’s performance and his overall impact on the Mariners.
Pro Tip:
When evaluating a catcher’s value, consider their pitch framing abilities, their leadership on the field, and their ability to manage the pitching staff.These factors often go unnoticed in traditional statistics.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: What is Cal Raleigh’s current home run pace?
- A: He is on pace for 58 home runs.
- Q: What is the single-season home run record for catchers?
- A: The record is 48 home runs.
- Q: What makes Raleigh an MVP candidate?
- A: His offensive production, defensive skills, and leadership behind the plate.
