Here’s a bold statement: Cal Raleigh isn’t just a player—he’s a phenomenon. And Game 1 of the American League Championship Series (ALCS) was his stage to prove it. But here’s where it gets controversial: While the MVP ballots were already cast before the playoffs, Raleigh’s performance on Sunday night against the Toronto Blue Jays left everyone wondering if he’s not just a contender, but the deserving winner. Let’s dive into why this game was a masterclass in his versatility and impact—and why it’s reigniting the MVP debate.
The Seattle Mariners’ 3-1 victory over the Blue Jays wasn’t just another win. It was a testament to resilience. Fresh off a grueling 15-inning Division Series decider against the Detroit Tigers, the team flew cross-country to Toronto, only to start Bryce Miller—a pitcher on just three days’ rest—in their first ALCS appearance in 24 years. And this is the part most people miss: Amidst all this chaos, Raleigh was the anchor, the constant force holding it all together. Slugger. Receiver. Pitch whisperer. Avenger. Yes, avenger—a title earned after Jays manager John Schneider’s ill-advised comments in 2023, which Raleigh hasn’t forgotten.
Raleigh’s night was nothing short of extraordinary. In the sixth inning, after Kevin Gausman had retired 15 straight batters, Raleigh crushed a game-tying homer—his 62nd of the season. But his bat wasn’t the only tool he brought. Earlier, he made a pivotal mound visit to Miller, who was struggling in a 27-pitch first inning. Here’s the kicker: Miller later admitted he couldn’t even remember what Raleigh said. Was it a joke? A pep talk? Whatever it was, it worked. Miller settled in, and the Mariners’ bullpen followed suit, shutting down the Jays’ potent lineup.
Raleigh’s postseason numbers are staggering: 8-for-17 (.471) with four homers against Gausman alone. At Rogers Centre? He’s hitting .315 with nine homers and 19 RBIs. Yet, it’s his intangibles that truly stand out. Teammates like Logan Gilbert joke about Raleigh’s “weird mound visits,” where he sometimes says nothing but just stands there, awkwardly. But here’s the question: Is it awkward, or is it genius? Gilbert admits, “I think there’s an intention there. I’m trying to figure out what it is.”
Mariners manager Dan Wilson wasn’t laughing, though. He praised Raleigh for calming Miller during a moment that “could have exploded pretty quickly.” And explode it didn’t. Instead, Raleigh’s homer in the sixth inning—a controlled, adjusted swing—was the spark the Mariners needed. As hitting coach Kevin Seitzer put it, “He makes adjustments really, really well.”
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: Schneider’s 2023 comments about Raleigh being “not very tough to pitch to” when executing pitches. Raleigh fired back then, and on Sunday night, he let his performance do the talking. Schneider, now more seasoned, backtracked, calling Raleigh a “phenomenal player.” But the damage was done—and Raleigh hasn’t forgotten.
So, is Raleigh the AL MVP? The votes are in, and we’ll know in November. But after catching every inning of every postseason game (61 total), while hitting .400 in the playoffs, it’s hard to argue against him. Here’s the real question: In a sport where players are often one-dimensional, how do we even quantify someone like Raleigh? Slugger, receiver, whisperer, avenger—he’s all of it, and more.
As the Mariners gear up for Game 2, one thing is certain: Cal Raleigh will be there, doing it all. And whether he wins the MVP or not, he’s already proven himself as the heart and soul of this team. What do you think? Is Raleigh the MVP in your book? Or is there another player who deserves the title? Let’s hear it in the comments!
