Talkin' Baseball (MLB Podcast) Is Cal Raleigh the MVP Front-Runner?
Sep 25, 2025
The hosts dive into the intriguing AL MVP race, pitting Cal Raleigh against Aaron Judge, exploring each player’s milestones and impact on their teams. They discuss the excitement of expanded playoffs and how it affects engagement. A fun debate emerges over which unlikely playoff teams fans are rooting for. The conversation also touches on the NL MVP race, weighing Ohtani against Schwarber and Soto. Plus, they define what it means to be a true 'ball knower' and share some humorous anecdotes about Chicago beef.
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Small Ball Can Beat Star Power
- Jolly says teams that play small ball and fundamentals can upset star-powered clubs in a series.
- He singles out the Guardians as a matchup that can exploit weaknesses with bunting and bullpen depth.
MVP Vote Balances Stats And Narrative
- The hosts debate AL MVP: Aaron Judge's historic season versus Cal Raleigh's catcher milestones.
- They note voting may reward rarity and narrative as much as raw OPS.
Factor Rarity Into Award Predictions
- Consider historical precedent and rarity when predicting award outcomes.
- Recognize that voters reward milestone seasons and team impact beyond pure metrics.