Cal Raleigh achieved a significant milestone on Saturday as he hit his 40th home run of the season against the Los Angeles Angels, setting a new franchise record for the Seattle Mariners. This impressive home run, launched in the sixth inning off pitcher José Fermín, marked Raleigh’s 133rd career shot and moved him ahead of the legendary Ken Griffey Jr. for the most home runs by a Mariners player within their first five MLB seasons.
Notably, Raleigh is now among an elite group, becoming the seventh catcher in MLB history to reach the 40-homer mark in a single season. Joining the ranks of greats such as Salvador Perez, Johnny Bench, and Mike Piazza, Raleigh’s accomplishments this season have drawn considerable attention.
As of July 26, Raleigh already surpassed his previous career high in home runs for the 2025 season, which adds to his impressive numbers, including a potential record-breaking season in runs batted in (RBI). With a batting average of .255—a personal best—and an unexpected achievement of stealing 12 bases, Raleigh’s performance this year has been remarkable.
Importantly, Raleigh and Griffey Jr. share a unique bond in Mariners history, both having claimed victory in the Home Run Derby. Earlier this season, Raleigh set another franchise record by hitting 36 home runs before the All-Star break, and he is currently on track to challenge Griffey’s overall franchise record of 56 home runs in a single season.
His exceptional batting has propelled the Mariners into a solid second-place standing in the AL West, trailing only the Houston Astros by 4.5 games, while maintaining a competitive position for an AL wild card slot. With Raleigh leading the major leagues in home runs, ahead of notable players like Shohei Ohtani, his name has emerged in the MVP discussions alongside stars like Aaron Judge, who has recently faced an injury setback.
Raleigh’s achievements not only showcase his individual talent but also signal a promising season for the Mariners as they aim for postseason contention.