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Jorge Castillo
For months, debate has swirled about the American League Most Valuable Player Award.
Would the honor go to New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge for the third time in four years after another extraordinary offensive season, or would it go to Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh, who smashed his way into the record books with 60 home runs?
Cleveland Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez finished third, while Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. was fourth.
Judge, humble as always, was quick to congratulate Raleigh and Ramirez.
«They had two incredible seasons,» he told MLB Network. «It’s always fun playing against those two, especially when we play Seattle. The main objective is ‘Make sure Cal doesn’t beat you.'»
Salvador Perez’s previous mark of 48 home runs by a primary catcher and soared past Mantle’s record of 54 by a switch-hitter.
Raleigh hit .247/.359/.589 with 60 home runs, a league-leading 125 RBIs and 110 runs scored.
ESPN’s David Schoenfield contributed to this report.
