SEATTLE — While Cal Raleigh awaits the announcement of the Major League Baseball Most Valuable Player Award after the conclusion of the World Series, Big Dumper is taking home another honor in the meantime.
Raleigh won the Sporting News Player of the Year award Friday. While baseball writers vote on the MVP award, Raleigh was chosen by his peers.
MLB players have voted on the award since its creation in 1936.
Raleigh earned 46% of the 2025 vote, prevailing over other baseball giants Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani, who received 27% and 11%, respectively.
RELATED | After disappointing finish to banner season, ample roster decisions await hungry Mariners
Big Dumper becomes the third Mariners player to win the award, joining Alex Rodriguez in 1996 and Ken Griffey Jr. in 1997.
He also becomes the first catcher to win the award since Johnny Bench in 1970.
Raleigh enjoyed an incredible season, slugging 60 home runs, winning the Home Run Derby in July, and leading the Mariners to their first AL West title since 2001.
The Mariners’ historic season ended in heartbreak with a 4-3 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday in Game 7 of the ALCS.