Cal Raleigh kept Seattle’s power surge at the forefront of their season, delivering a milestone that reshaped the MVP chatter around the Mariners. In Oakland on Sunday, Raleigh opened the final meeting of the year with a homer in his first at-bat to tie MLB’s single-season record for catchers, then followed with his 49th blast in the next plate appearance to stand alone as the season’s premier home-run-hitting catcher. The very next game, Monday against the Padres, he added No. 50 to cement his historic run.
That milestone has rekindled and broadened the conversation about the American League MVP:
– Raleigh’s case is increasingly viewed as strong, especially when weighed against the eye-popping numbers piled up by the opposition. While Aaron Judge’s OPS and overall offensive totals remain formidable, Raleigh’s value as Seattle’s everyday catcher is a powerful counterweight.
– The defeat of Judge’s superiority in more than just homers is Raleigh’s two-way impact. He sits atop the league with 7.3 fWAR, and his defensive excellence—evidenced by finishing as a Platinum Glove finalist last season—adds depth to his case.
– Judge’s role with the Yankees has shifted toward designated hitter duties after returning from an elbow injury, which narrows his defensive contribution at a time Raleigh’s framing, game-calling and catcher-pitcher rapport are being recognized as a crucial, if less tangible, asset for Seattle’s pitching staff.
– Raleigh’s influence extends beyond the box score, with praise for how he supports pitchers. The sense in the clubhouse is that Raleigh is a trusted, popular presence whose leadership is as important as his bat.
A note on context and timing:
– The Mariners’ 2026 schedule was released, including a rare home doubleheader, a reminder that Seattle remains a standout draw and a team capable of creating noteworthy moments on and off the field.
What to watch going forward:
– If Raleigh can sustain his torrid pace, the MVP conversation could shift even more in Seattle’s favor, particularly if the Mariners stay competitive in the standings and Raleigh continues to be a constant force behind the plate and in the lineup.
– The combination of elite offense, veteran leadership, and elite defense from a catcher who handles a pitching staff with ease gives Seattle a blueprint that could influence how teams value two-way players at the position in the coming seasons.
Bottom line:
Cal Raleigh’s ongoing power surge has not only rewritten the record book for catchers but also reshaped the MVP narrative around the Mariners. His blend of home-run power, durable defense, and clubhouse leadership makes him a standout figure in Seattle’s pursuit of continued success.
Key takeaways:
– Raleigh logged his 50th home run in a win over the Padres, continuing a historic season.
– He earlier tied and then surpassed the catcher-record with a string of timely blasts against Oakland.
– His 7.3 fWAR ties him with Aaron Judge for the top spot in the league, underscoring his all-around value.
– Defense and leadership are playing a larger role in the MVP discussion, not just raw power.
Outlook: Raleigh’s milestone season has heightened expectations and added an uplifting strain to the Mariners’ narrative, suggesting more big moments could be on the horizon as Seattle pushes toward a meaningful finish.