Aaron Judge spelled out the case for Mariners' Cal Raleigh as the AL MVP

Aaron Judge may be the face of the American League, but during All-Star Week, he didn’t hesitate to shine the spotlight on someone else.

When asked about Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh and his rise into the AL MVP conversation, Judge had nothing but praise to offer:

"He's a special player. I said earlier, I've got to manage one swing. He's managing two swings being a switch-hitter. He's managing a pitching staff -- one of the best pitching staffs in the [American League] -- to do all of that and continue to go out there and post every day, put up the numbers, hit the homers, it's fun to watch.""

Aaron Judge via Daniel Kramer of MLB.com

It’s rare to hear a reigning MVP speak so glowingly about a direct competitor, which is to say nothing of how Raleigh is also threatening Judge's own AL record for home runs. Yet that is both indicative of the kind of season Raleigh is having, as well as the high character that Judge represents. 

Aaron Judge is right on the money with his glowing review of Cal Raleigh

Raleigh has put together an extraordinary first half, leading the league with 38 home runs while anchoring the most physically demanding position in the sport. His offensive output — nearly 40 homers and more than 80 RBIs — would be jaw-dropping for any player, but it’s unprecedented for a catcher. Add in his strong framing, arm, and game-calling abilities, and you’ve got the makings of one of the most complete seasons by a backstop in major league history.

And yet, despite the eye-popping numbers, Raleigh’s MVP campaign feels like an uphill battle because standing in the other corner is Judge himself. The New York Yankees slugger is everything you expect from a perennial MVP: massive home run totals, top-tier WAR, and the shine that comes with being the face of baseball’s most storied franchise. Judge is a household name in the largest market in baseball and continues to be one of the most consistently elite players in the game.

Raleigh? He has grit. He has power. And he has the heart of a city that’s been begging for national recognition.

This race has become something of a modern David vs. Goliath. The Mariners' catcher doesn’t have Judge’s platform or the pinstripes behind him. What he does have is a historic offensive campaign, elite defense, and the respect of his peers, including Judge himself. In a sport where name recognition and market size go a long way, Raleigh is swinging his way into the national spotlight, whether voters are ready for it or not.

As the second half unfolds, the AL MVP race promises to be one of the most fascinating storylines in baseball. The Behemoth in the Bronx vs. the Big Dumper from Seattle. Judge might still be the favorite, but if Raleigh keeps this up, there's a very real possibility the Mariners have their first American League MVP since Ichiro in 2001