MLB: Julio Rodriguez says Cal Raleigh should be the MVP

After becoming the major league leader with 32 home runs , Seattle catcher Cal Raleigh is Dominican Julio Rodriguez 's number one candidate for the American League Most Valuable Player award.

The Mariners beat Minnesota 11-2 on Monday, and Raleigh took the ball out again for the fourth straight game .

In doing so, the 28-year-old became the first player in club history to hit 10 or more home runs in three consecutive months.

That impressive feat was not achieved by great sluggers who passed through the franchise like Ken Griffey Jr., Alex Rodriguez, Edgar Martinez and Adrian Beltre

"It's incredible what we're seeing. I feel like it's something I've never seen before. And coming from a catcher, what he's doing is so special. I'm so happy for him. It feels great to see him succeed ," Julio Rodriguez said after the game.

"The way he can impact the game, really on both sides of the game, I just don't think there's anybody who can do that right now . I think he definitely deserves his first shot at MVP," Rodriguez said.

Raleigh has now joined Hall of Famers Mike Piazza, Johnny Bench and Roy Campanella as the only catchers (who play that position primarily) with at least three 30-homer seasons .

The North Carolina native became the first two-handed hitter in major league history to reach 30 home runs before the All-Star break, and also leads baseball with 68 RBIs.

"He's in a very good spot . I think he's comfortable, no doubt, and he's taking good pitches. And when he does take them, he doesn't miss them," Mariners manager Dan Wilson said.

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