Cal Raleigh’s Historic 2025 Season: A Catcher’s Quest for Greatness
In 2025, Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh has not only etched his name into the annals of baseball history but has also redefined the expectations for the role of a catcher in Major League Baseball. With his remarkable performance, Raleigh has reached the monumental milestone of 50 home runs in a single season, becoming the first primary catcher to achieve this feat in MLB history. Moreover, he has become the first player ever to hit at least 20 home runs as a switch-hitter from both sides of the plate within the same season.
A Record-Breaking Journey
Raleigh’s ascent into the record books began on March 31, when he hit his first home run of the season in the Mariners’ fifth game. This initial blast came just days after he secured a substantial six-year, $105 million contract extension. From that moment, Raleigh has been on an electrifying power surge.
Since then, he has set the single-season records for a switch-hitter and for the Seattle Mariners franchise. By September, as he powered through the season, Raleigh added to his impressive record tally with home run No. 58, a two-run blast against the Houston Astros, putting him just four homers shy of breaking the American League single-season record of 62 set by Aaron Judge in 2022.
An Impressive Beginning
March: Setting the Stage
- Home Runs Hit: 1
On March 31, Raleigh kicked off his season with a 358-foot homer against the Detroit Tigers, marking the beginning of a powerful year.
April: Finding His Groove
- Home Runs Hit: 9
April was a pivotal month where Raleigh hit his stride. Highlights include setting the franchise record for career home runs by a catcher with his 96th in a game against the Texas Rangers, demonstrating early signs of his potential for greatness.
May: The Power Surge
- Home Runs Hit: 12
May was monumental for Raleigh as he not only celebrated his first grand slam but also shattered records. His second multi-homer game on May 27 propelled him to a record-setting 20 home runs before the end of May—a first for any catcher.
Hitting Milestones
June: Continuing the Onslaught
- Home Runs Hit: 11
In June, Raleigh’s power continued, setting the MLB record for home runs by a catcher before the All-Star break with 29 by the 20th of the month. His consecutive hits allowed him to become the first switch-hitter to reach the 30-homer mark before the All-Star break, outpacing legends like Mickey Mantle and Barry Bonds.
July: A Star is Born
- Home Runs Hit: 9
Raleigh cemented his stardom by winning the Home Run Derby in Atlanta, becoming the first catcher to do so. By the end of July, he reached the 40-homer mark, solidifying his status as one of the most prolific power hitters.
Establishing Records
August: Breaking Barriers
- Home Runs Hit: 8
August proved to be a record-shattering month. On August 24, Raleigh hit Nos. 48 and 49, surpassing Salvador Perez’s record for most home runs in a single season by a catcher. Just a day later, he became the first player to hit 50 home runs before any other in the 2025 season.
The Final Push
September: Record-Breaking Momentum
- Home Runs Hit: 7 (and counting)
As September unfolded, Raleigh continued to impress. His smashing of Mickey Mantle’s single-season switch-hitter record on September 16 was a notable highlight. The very next day, he set a new Mariners franchise record with his 57th homer.
Raleigh’s journey in 2025 epitomizes the evolution of the catcher position. His achievements not only showcase his individual brilliance but also elevate the entire sport, challenging preconceived notions of what catchers can achieve offensively. With each swing and every home run, Cal Raleigh is captivating the baseball world and promising more excitement as he approaches the season’s conclusion.