Vinne Pasquantino finds a flaw in Brent Rooker's advice to Aaron Judge and Cal Raleigh supporters

Brent Rooker attempted to cool down the increasingly loud debate surrounding the 2025 American League MVP race, posting a reminder for fans of Aaron Judge and Cal Raleigh.

"PSA: If the person you want to win AL MVP tomorrow does not win it, it does no good to try to diminish or disparage the accomplishments of the other," Rooker wrote. "We got to witness two great dudes do otherworldly and historic things this season and it truly sucks that one of them has to not win. Don’t be a hater, just enjoy the greatness."

But his attempt to calm the waters drew a quick, pointed reaction from Kansas City Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino:

"Jose Ramirez erasure?????"

Pasquantino’s response referenced Cleveland Guardians star Jose Ramirez, who put together another elite season and is viewed as a legitimate MVP contender. Pasquantino pointed out that Rooker’s message excluded Ramirez from the discussion.

Rooker’s original post aimed to reduce the negativity that often arises when award voting becomes public. Judge delivered a massive offensive season for the Yankees, while Raleigh’s breakout year in Seattle made him one of the most valuable catchers in the league. But Ramirez’s consistency kept him firmly in the race.

Players trade lighthearted replies after Pasquantino’s initial comment

After Vinnie Pasquantino questioned Brent Rooker’s omission of Jose Ramirez in the MVP discussion, the exchange between the two shifted.

Rooker clarified his stance first, responding:

"Jose is my second favorite player in the league. I would never."

Pasquantino followed with a playful jab, asking:

"Are you your favorite player?"

Rooker answered with a self-deprecating line:

"I am my least favorite player."

Pasquantino closed the back-and-forth by admitting Rooker had beaten him to the punch, replying:

"Damnit beat me to my answer too."