Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh has emerged as the runaway leader in the race for Major League Baseball's Least Valuable Player (LVP) award. Raleigh has experienced a dramatic fall from his previous season's performance, now hitting .156, which is 49 points lower than any other qualifying player.
This significant drop in production follows a season where Raleigh reportedly hit 60 home runs. He has acknowledged his struggles, stating that he has "stunk" this season.
Other notable players struggling significantly include Vladimir Guerrero Jr. of the Toronto Blue Jays and Kyle Tucker of the Dodgers. Guerrero Jr. has not hit a home run at his home stadium, Rogers Centre, in a full year and has hit only seven home runs, significantly below his previous five-season average. This comes after signing a substantial 14-year, $500 million contract last season. With 13 years remaining on his deal, Guerrero Jr. faces pressure to regain his power.
Kyle Tucker, who signed a four-year, $240 million deal with the Dodgers, is also underperforming. His overall numbers are below average, reflected in a 93 OPS+, and his recent performance includes a 0-for-25 hitting streak and defensive miscues. Despite a league-high salary and a 0.0 bWAR, Tucker's struggles are currently overshadowed by Raleigh's steeper decline.