Cal Raleigh smashed two home runs to reach 60 HRs, becoming the first catcher ever to hit 60 in a season, while breaking Mariners, switch-hitter, and catcher records. Get full Cal Raleigh stats, comparison to MLB’s all-time HR marks, Mariners’ standings, and what’s next.
The moment: Raleigh joins elite HR club & Mariners clinch AL West
In a 9–2 win over the Rockies, Cal Raleigh hammered two home runs — a 438-footer into the upper deck in the 1st inning and a 389-foot blast in the 8th — reaching 60 homers for the season. With that feat, he became the first catcher in MLB history to reach 60 HRs, and only the seventh player ever to hit 60 in a season.
That night, the Seattle Mariners clinched the AL West for the first time since 2001, thanks in part to Raleigh’s power display.
Raleigh now sits atop multiple record lists:
- Mariners’ single-season home run record (previously Ken Griffey Jr.’s 57)
- Single-season home run record by a switch-hitter (sur passing Mickey Mantle’s old mark of 55)
- Catcher HR record (he passed Salvador Perez’s 48)
This night will be remembered not just for Washington’s playoff implications but for a personal milestone that may echo through baseball history.
Background & contract context
Who is Cal Raleigh?
- Raleigh (born Nov. 26, 1996) is a switch-hitting catcher for the Seattle Mariners.
- In March 2025, Raleigh and Seattle agreed on a six-year, $105 million extension (with a vesting option) — a signal the team bet heavily on his offensive and defensive contributions.
- Before 2025, Raleigh’s power numbers were solid (e.g. 34 HR in 2024) but not on historic track.
That contract set expectations high, and Raleigh has delivered — in a way few expected.
2025 power surge: the home run chase
Month-by-month breakdown (as tracked by ESPN)
According to ESPN’s retrospective, Raleigh’s HR output by month:
- March/April: ~10 HRs
- May: 12 HRs
- June: 11 HRs
- July: 9 HRs
- August: 8 HRs
- September (so far): ~10 HRs, including multi-HR nights.
That power consistency gave him a sustained pace. Whether in hotter months or cold, he remained in the mix.
Key turning points & record milestones
- Passing Ken Griffey Jr.: On September 21, Raleigh hit his 57th HR, surpassing Griffey’s franchise mark of 56.
- Tying Mantle as switch-hitter: On September 14, he hit his 54th HR, tying Mickey Mantle’s single-season switch-hitter record.
- Catcher HR milestone: He had earlier tied the single-season catcher HR record of 48 (Salvador Perez, 2021).
- Multi-HR games record: With the 60th HR, he tied the record for most multi-HR games in one season (11) alongside Judge (2022), Sosa (1998), and Greenberg (1938).
In short: Raleigh wasn’t just chasing HRs — he was systematically breaking down existing records in multiple categories.
[Note: Images are collected from Instagram]
Cal Raleigh stats & metrics in 2025
Here’s where Raleigh stands statistically in 2025:
- Batting average: ~.248
- Home runs: 60 (league leader)
- RBIs: 125
- OPS: ~.959
- Other counts: 14 stolen bases (for a catcher)
- Career totals: ~153 HRs, 376 RBIs
His overall slash line (AVG/OBP/SLG) and counting stats place him among the most productive hitters in the American League this season.
Raleigh’s defense and pitch-framing also play a role, though offensive splash is what’s making headlines. His durability behind the plate and handling of pitchers will factor in award considerations.
The “Most Home Runs in a Season” conversation
To appreciate Raleigh’s season, it helps to see it in historical context.
MLB’s top single-season HR totals
- Aaron Judge — 62 HR (2022) (AL record)
- Barry Bonds — 73 HR (2001)
- Mark McGwire — 70 (1998), etc.
- Roger Maris — 61 HR (1961)
- Babe Ruth — 60 HR (1927)
So Raleigh is now in the company of Judge, Maris, Ruth, Bonds, McGwire, etc.
Catcher and switch-hitter layers
Raleigh has added more layers to the feat:
- First catcher ever to hit 60 HRs
- Most HRs ever by a switch-hitter in a season (he passed Mickey Mantle)
- Mariners franchise HR record (passing Griffey Jr.)
- Multi-HR game record among elite company
The interplay of position (catcher), batting style (switch), and franchise history makes Raleigh’s 2025 campaign stand out even among great HR seasons.
A new name at the top of the list: Cal Raleigh! https://t.co/pyF2RX5P3R pic.twitter.com/8EyS5PDpEB
— MLB Stats (@MLBStats) September 17, 2025
Mariners’ season context & standings
- With Raleigh’s explosion and team contributions, Seattle clinched the AL West on September 25.
- The Mariners’ hot run: entering that clinching game, the team had won 16 of their last 17 games.
- The Mariners’ final record improved to ~89–69 at the time of the clinch.
- In MLB roundup news, both Seattle and New York (Yankees) clinched postseason spots.
Seattle’s surge, combined with Raleigh’s record month, creates synergy: players riding momentum, fan excitement, and pressure on pitchers.
What lies ahead: MVP, postseason, long-term expectations
MVP candidacy
Raleigh now stands squarely in MVP talks. His offensive stats rival others in the league. Some counterpoints may hinge on defensive metrics, catcher workload, and comparison to players in easier offensive environments. But his dual record breaking (catcher + switch hitter + franchise) makes him a candidate few can ignore.
Postseason relevance
Seattle’s AL West clinch reduces pressure in the regular season’s final stretch. But Raleigh’s production gives them a weapon in the postseason. Opponents will have to game plan around him. If the Mariners make a deep run, Raleigh’s heroics will be key.
Future contract & expectations
With a long extension already signed beginning this season, Raleigh is locked in for much of this prime window. The question is: can he sustain this power output, avoid injury, and deliver high-level performance at a tough defensive position (catcher)? His contract suggests the Mariners expect elite output for years.