Cal Raleigh’s Historic 2025 Season Sets New MLB Catcher Home Run Records

Seattle Mariners star catcher Cal Raleigh’s 2025 season is one for the history books

In the 2025 MLB season, Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh has delivered a historic performance that has rewritten baseball records and captured the attention of fans and analysts alike. Surpassing legendary figures and setting new standards, Raleigh's exceptional power hitting and defensive skills have positioned him as a baseball phenomenon and an emblem for the Mariners moving forward.

• Cal Raleigh broke the single-season home run record for catchers with 60 home runs, surpassing Salvador Perez’s previous mark of 48 from 2021.
• He set new records as the most home runs hit in a single season by a Seattle Mariner (56), and by a switch hitter (55), beating legends Ken Griffey Jr. and Mickey Mantle respectively.
• Raleigh became the first catcher to win the MLB All-Star Game Home Run Derby, with his family specially involved in the event.
• Despite his historic season, he finished runner-up for the 2025 American League MVP award, losing to New York Yankees’ Aaron Judge.
• His 2025 season is ranked among the best ever for catchers in MLB history, combining elite offense with sterling defense.

Early life and background

Cal Raleigh grew up in a sports-oriented family in North Carolina, steeped in athletic tradition. His father, Todd Raleigh, coached baseball at the collegiate level and instilled in Cal the fundamentals early, including training him to bat both left- and right-handed from infancy. Despite initial discouragement at age 14, when a high school coach doubted his prospects beyond Division III baseball, Todd Raleigh moved the family strategically to support Cal’s development. This dedication paid off as Cal excelled in high school and earned a scholarship to Florida State University, where he graduated in 2020 with a degree in business entrepreneurship.

Rising through the ranks

Known colloquially as “the Big Dumper” because of his distinctive stature and stance behind the plate, Raleigh’s early professional journey involved questions about his ability to succeed at the major league level. Drafted by the Mariners in 2018 as the 90th pick, his initial MLB debut in 2021 saw struggles at the plate, batting just .180. A rough start to 2022 led to a temporary demotion to the minors, but a renewed focus and an opportunity due to injury allowed him to return and flourish. He finished the 2022 season with 27 home runs and led the American League defensively by throwing out 25 base stealers. His dramatic walk-off home run on September 30, 2022, secured the Mariners’ first playoff berth in two decades and heralded his arrival as a clutch performer.

Establishing dominance in 2023–2024

Over the next two seasons, Cal Raleigh solidified his role as a powerful hitter and defensive anchor, hitting 30 and 34 home runs respectively. Although the Mariners narrowly missed the playoffs both years, Raleigh’s steady development prepared him for a breakout campaign.

Historic 2025 season

Before the 2025 season, the Mariners rewarded Raleigh with a six-year, $105 million contract extension, signaling their confidence in his talents. Raleigh rewarded that faith by exploding offensively, hitting 38 home runs by the All-Star break—already surpassing his previous season highs. His performance ignited a rare MVP debate between himself and Aaron Judge. In the Home Run Derby, Raleigh made history as the first catcher winner, with his father pitching and his younger brother catching during the event.

By season's end, Raleigh had reached 60 home runs, joining the exclusive group of just seven players ever to hit 60 or more in a single MLB season, and becoming the only catcher to do so. He also broke the record for most home runs by a switch hitter in a season, a mark previously held by Mickey Mantle since 1961.

The Mariners returned to the playoffs, winning the division before being narrowly eliminated by the Toronto Blue Jays in the AL Championship Series after seven hard-fought games. Despite his groundbreaking achievements, Raleigh came second in MVP voting to Judge.

Comparison with other MLB power hitters

Cal Raleigh joined the elite company of legendary sluggers like Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa, and Barry Bonds, all of whom surpassed the 60-home run threshold in a season—though their records are often clouded by steroid controversies. Raleigh’s clean record and status as a catcher make his accomplishment unique and historically significant.

Nickname and public persona

Raleigh’s nickname "Big Dumper" was coined by a former teammate and highlights his powerful physical presence. Fans have wholeheartedly embraced the moniker, which has become part of his brand, inspiring merchandise like jerseys and a dedicated craft beer. Off the field, Raleigh has grown in fashion and endorsement deals, partnering with major brands such as T-Mobile and Nintendo.

Playing style and impact

At 6 feet 2 inches and 235 pounds, Raleigh combines strength and agility, excelling both offensively and defensively. His ability to play all 1,072 innings behind the plate with high defensive value contributes significantly to the Mariners’ pitching success and overall team performance.

His 2025 season statistics include 109 runs scored, 125 RBIs, and a slugging percentage that places him alongside some of the finest catchers in history, including Mike Piazza and Johnny Bench. He also delivered one of the best offensive stretches for a catcher, posting remarkable monthly totals in May and June 2025.

Personal reflections and future ambitions

Cal Raleigh remains grounded despite his achievements, emphasizing his desire to win a World Series for his fans, family, and himself. He credits his father’s unwavering belief for his success and looks forward to continuing his career as a Seattle Mariner through the remainder of his contract.

Legacy and the path forward

Cal Raleigh’s 2025 season is widely regarded as one of the top three catcher seasons in MLB history, characterized by record-setting power hitting and steadfast defensive leadership. He surpassed milestone after milestone, rewriting the home run record books and setting a promising course for a legendary career. As the Mariners and baseball world look ahead, Raleigh stands as a beacon of excellence and an inspiration for future generations of catchers and hitters.