Cal Raleigh’s Historic 2025 Season: Near MVP and Record-Breaking Power

Cal Raleigh had a season for the ages despite narrowly missing out on the American League MVP award

Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh delivered one of the most remarkable baseball seasons in recent memory during 2025, captivating fans and analysts alike. Despite falling just short of winning the American League MVP award to New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge, Raleigh's historic achievements at one of baseball’s most demanding positions earned him widespread acclaim and a place in the sport’s elite discussions.

• Cal Raleigh hit an extraordinary 60 home runs, setting new single-season records for catchers and switch-hitters.
• Raleigh won the Home Run Derby and led the Mariners to their first AL West title since 2021 and their deepest postseason run ever.
• The MVP race was the closest since 2019, with Judge receiving 17 first-place votes and Raleigh 13, totaling 355 and 335 points respectively.
• Raleigh’s defensive work behind the plate, including over 1,000 innings caught, and his leadership were key factors in Seattle’s success.
• Many players, media, and fans vocally supported Raleigh as the rightful MVP despite the official outcome favoring Judge.

A season both on and off the field: The Cal Raleigh Show

Throughout 2025, fans were treated to a unique inside perspective on Raleigh’s journey via The Cal Raleigh Show, a weekly series that gave an intimate look at his experiences. From conversations at T-Mobile Park, Fenway Park, and beyond, Raleigh shared technical insights on baseball bats, strategic approaches like the 'up the middle' hitting style, and the emotional toll and mental preparation involved in catching. His openness allowed fans and followers to understand the complexities of his role and mindset, beyond just statistics.

Raleigh’s personal stories, including growing up with his father Todd Raleigh Sr. coaching college baseball, revealed the man behind the player. The series also showcased his competitive spirit and leadership qualities, especially during critical moments such as the closed-door team meeting in Tampa amid a challenging stretch for the Mariners. These glimpses enriched fans' appreciation of his dedication and character.

Cal Raleigh’s historic offensive and defensive achievements

Raleigh’s 2025 campaign was exceptional by any measure, particularly given his demanding position. He hit 60 home runs — a milestone previously achieved by just six major leaguers and none from the catcher position since the MVP award was introduced. Along the way, he broke franchise and MLB records for home runs by a catcher and switch-hitter.

His career-best offensive surge was bolstered by improved aerial contact rates, particularly on pulled fly balls, and a significant performance jump batting right-handed. Defensively, Raleigh caught over 1,000 innings, a workload matched by very few catchers, while maintaining top-tier defensive metrics and guiding a pitching staff that posted a respectable 3.87 ERA.

Raleigh's efforts helped propel the Mariners to their first division title in nearly 25 years and their deepest postseason run ever, reaching the American League Championship Series. His leadership was deemed vital to Seattle’s success, highlighting his immense value beyond batting statistics.

The MVP controversy: Close votes and compelling cases

The 2025 American League MVP race was exceptionally close and heavily debated. Aaron Judge secured the award with 17 first-place votes to Raleigh's 13, accumulating 355 points to Raleigh’s 335. Judge produced his own historic offensive season, leading the AL and all of MLB in multiple categories including runs scored, walks, and total bases, combined with solid defensive contributions from right field.

However, supporters of Raleigh argued his contributions deserved equal or greater recognition. Voters recognized Raleigh's workloads, positional difficulty, and leadership as crucial factors. Analysts spoke of Raleigh as a player whose impact is not fully captured by conventional statistics, emphasizing the holistic value he provided to the Mariners.

Several voters and players expressed differing views — some favored Judge’s superior offensive statistics and stature as a player, while others admired Raleigh's production from catcher and his role as team backbone. The debate underscored the nebulous nature of "most valuable" and the challenges in balancing offensive output, defensive demands, and intangible leadership.

Legacy and lasting impact of the 2025 season

Despite not clinching the MVP award, Cal Raleigh's 2025 season is destined to be a landmark in baseball history. He joined an exclusive class of players hitting 60 home runs in a season, while executing the most physically and mentally challenging role in baseball at an elite level. His performance set new standards for catchers and helped establish the Mariners as a formidable contender.

Raleigh's presence brought renewed excitement to Seattle baseball, and his work behind the plate demonstrated the critical connection between pitching and catching in team success. His breakthrough season elevates him beyond a local hero to a national figure in MLB.

Fans, players, and commentators celebrated his achievements, and his season will be remembered as one of the most extraordinary in the sport. For Mariners supporters in particular, 2025 will forever be “the season of Cal,” a testament to a player who transcended expectations and left an indelible mark on the game.

Cal Raleigh’s 2025 narrative is one of phenomenal power, unyielding endurance, and inspiring leadership. His nearly MVP-winning season sheds light on the nuances of baseball greatness, challenging how value is assessed in a team sport where every player’s role is interconnected yet uniquely demanding. Whether one views him as the most valuable player or not, his historic campaign has rightfully earned a place among baseball’s greats.