Raleigh’s Bat Puts Him in Rare Company
Cal Raleigh is no longer just the Seattle Mariners’ slugging catcher. He’s now etched in MLB history next to a baseball legend.
During Tuesday’s showdown against the New York Yankees, Raleigh crushed his 36th home run of the 2025 season. Further making him just the second switch-hitter in MLB history to hit 36 or more homers before August. The only other player to do so? Mickey Mantle, who hit 39 back in 1961.
And Raleigh still has 22 days left in July to chase him down.
A $105M Bargain for the Mariners?
Raleigh’s breakout season comes just months after he inked a six-year, $105 million extension with Seattle, locking him in through his arbitration years and early free agency. With a .268 batting average, a whopping 1.029 OPS, and 76 RBIs through 89 games, the 27-year-old is making that deal look like one of the best values in baseball.
Even more impressive, Raleigh leads all of MLB in home runs and has catapulted himself into the AL MVP race. Standing toe-to-toe with stars like Aaron Judge.
Fresh off being named to his first All-Star Game, Raleigh will now take part in the 2025 Home Run Derby. A fitting stage for baseball’s current home run king. With momentum on his side, fans are wondering: Can he pass Mantle’s 39-homer mark before July ends?
One thing’s for sure, Cal Raleigh is no longer just a Mariners standout. He’s a legitimate MLB superstar and we would see him break more records.
Read More: Ranking the 15 Best Catchers in MLB History
