Cal Raleigh Hits MLB-Leading 31st Home Run for Mariners

Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh is absolutely tearing it up this season, especially as we get closer to the 2025 MLB All-Star break. With 31 home runs leading the league as of June 22, he’s not just joining the game’s elite—he’s rewriting parts of the record books.

His latest show in a series win over the Chicago Cubs just adds to his reputation as a hitter nobody wants to face right now. Let’s dig into what’s made this 28-year-old switch-hitter such a force this year.

Cal Raleigh’s Historic Power Surge

By June 22, Raleigh’s already blasted 31 home runs—no one else in the majors is even close before the All-Star break. What’s wild is how steady and dominant he’s been, especially in the past month.

In his last 29 games, he’s hitting .327 with 16 home runs and 34 RBIs. That’s been a huge boost for the Mariners, who seem to feed off his energy at the plate.

This past weekend, Raleigh put on a show at Wrigley Field, leading Seattle to a series win over the Cubs. Across three games, he smashed four home runs and drove in six runs.

In Sunday’s 14-6 blowout, he cranked a 105 mph homer to center off Colin Rea in the first inning. That was his 31st of the season, but he didn’t stop there—he also picked up two hits, walked twice, and scored three runs.

Becoming MLB’s Pre-All-Star Break Home Run King

With 31 homers, Raleigh’s doing something nobody’s seen before. He’s the first player in MLB history to reach 30 home runs before the All-Star break as a switch-hitting catcher. That’s not just talent—it’s a disciplined, relentless approach at the plate.

And now, Raleigh’s chasing down a Seattle legend. He’s just four home runs shy of matching Ken Griffey Jr.’s franchise record for most homers before the break. Griffey set the mark at 35 back in 1994, and honestly, it’s wild to think Raleigh might pass it soon.

The Key to Raleigh’s Success

What’s driving this surge? Raleigh’s locked in at the plate. Mariners manager Dan Wilson keeps pointing out how Raleigh sticks to his plan, never trying to do too much.

That mindset, combined with his raw power, has helped him deliver in big moments. Being a switch-hitter just adds another layer—he can hurt pitchers from both sides, which is rare and, frankly, a nightmare for opponents.

Coaches and teammates can’t stop talking about how reliable and dangerous he’s become. He’s earned a spot among baseball’s top power hitters right now.

Big Investment, Big Payoff: Raleigh’s Contract

Back in March, the Mariners bet big on Raleigh, signing him to a six-year, $105 million deal. At the time, some folks thought it was a bold move, but now it looks like a steal.

He’s only 28, and he’s already proving the team made the right call. His best years might still be ahead, which is pretty exciting if you’re a Mariners fan.

What’s Next for Cal Raleigh and the Mariners?

As the Mariners head into the All-Star break, all eyes turn to Raleigh. Can he keep up this historic tear?

Seattle sits right in the thick of the playoff race. They’re counting on their star catcher to carry this momentum through the dog days of summer.

Fans and analysts are already debating whether Raleigh could threaten the single-season home run record. For now, though, everyone’s watching those next milestones within his reach.

One thing’s for sure—Seattle couldn’t be prouder of Cal Raleigh right now. The city’s buzzing as the Mariners chase postseason glory with their All-Star catcher leading the way.

Will Raleigh add Ken Griffey Jr.’s record to his list of achievements? Guess we’ll have to wait and see how this wild ride plays out.

 
Here is the source article for this story: M’s star Raleigh connects for MLB-leading 31st HR