Cal Raleigh Historic 2025 Season: Cal Raleigh, the Seattle Mariners’ superstar catcher, is rewriting the record books in the 2025 MLB season. Known as “The Big Dumper,” Raleigh has taken the baseball world by storm with his incredible power at the plate and elite defensive skills behind it. As we approach the All-Star break, his stats are nothing short of jaw-dropping, making him a leading candidate for the American League MVP and a must-watch in the upcoming Home Run Derby. Let’s break down his remarkable performance with a look at his key stats and what makes this season so special.
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Unprecedented Power at the Plate
Raleigh’s 2025 season is defined by his historic home run pace. As of July 12, 2025, he’s smashed 38 home runs, including a grand slam and a solo shot in a 12-3 rout of the Detroit Tigers. This puts him just one shy of Barry Bonds’ 2001 record of 39 homers before the All-Star break, a mark no other player has touched. Raleigh’s consistency is staggering—10 homers in March/April, 12 in May, 11 in June, and five in July so far. His ability to hit for power from both sides of the plate as a switch-hitter is rare and adds to his mystique. He’s also tied a record set by Mickey Mantle for switch-hitters and surpassed Johnny Bench’s mark for catchers’ home runs before the break. With two games left before the All-Star Game, fans are on edge to see if he’ll catch Bonds.
Driving in Runs and Leading the League
Beyond homers, Raleigh’s run production is elite. He’s racked up 81 RBIs, leading the majors, and his 76 RBIs before July 9 made him second only to Chicago Cubs’ Seiya Suzuki. His clutch hitting, like the grand slam against Detroit, shows he thrives in big moments. Raleigh’s .264/.377/.645 slash line reflects his ability to get on base and hit for extra bases, with a 1.022 OPS that ranks among the league’s best. For a catcher playing in the pitcher-friendly T-Mobile Park, these numbers are even more impressive. His 340 total bases and nine stolen bases further showcase his all-around offensive impact, making him a fantasy baseball darling.
Defensive Excellence Behind the Dish
Raleigh isn’t just a slugger—he’s arguably the best defensive catcher in baseball. A 2024 Gold Glove and Platinum Glove winner, he’s a brick wall behind the plate, crouching over 100 times a game, blocking pitches in the dirt, and taking foul balls off his body. His ability to call games, throw out runners, and manage a pitching staff adds immense value. Playing catcher is grueling, yet Raleigh has caught 57 games while maintaining his offensive output. His 9.5 fWAR pace underscores his dual-threat impact, a rarity for a position that demands so much physically. This defensive prowess makes his offensive stats even more remarkable.
MVP Buzz and Home Run Derby Hype
Raleigh’s 2025 season has sparked serious AL MVP chatter, with some arguing he’s outshining even Aaron Judge. His ability to dominate at a tough position in a hitter-unfriendly park gives him an edge. Posts on X have fueled the hype, projecting him for 63 homers and 138 RBIs if he maintains his pace. He’s also set to shine in the 2025 Home Run Derby in Atlanta, with his dad, former Tennessee coach Todd Raleigh, pitching to him. As the AL’s starting catcher in the All-Star Game, Raleigh’s star is rising fast, and his stats are making history.
In short, Cal Raleigh’s 2025 season is a masterclass in power, consistency, and grit. Whether he breaks Bonds’ record or not, he’s already cemented his place as one of baseball’s brightest stars. Keep your eyes on this Mariners catcher—he’s not done dumping dingers yet.