Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh, affectionately called “The Big Dumper,” has taken the baseball world by storm in 2025. He’s become a real MVP candidate—no exaggeration.
Raleigh’s known for his offensive firepower, defensive flair, and leadership. Right now, he’s at the heart of the Mariners’ revival.
With the team finally eyeing a deep postseason run after years of waiting, Raleigh’s rise feels like something out of a movie. There’s drama, determination, and a real shot at greatness here.
Cal Raleigh’s Meteoric Rise: Power Meets Consistency
Raleigh’s journey from local hero to MVP frontrunner has been electric. Back in 2022, he smashed a walk-off homer that snapped the Mariners’ 20-year playoff drought.
That swing made him a fan favorite. But what he’s done in 2025? That’s put him among the elite in all of baseball.
As of July 2025, Raleigh leads MLB in home runs with a wild 33 homers. He’s also got a league-best 71 RBIs.
It’s not just the numbers, though—it’s how steady he’s been. He’s outpaced massive stars like Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani, and pitchers across the league are taking notice.
A Two-Way Superstar: The Complete Player
Raleigh’s power at the plate grabs headlines, but his defense is just as sharp. He’s agile, has a cannon for an arm, and he’s pulled in both Gold Glove and Platinum Glove awards lately.
Those awards say it all—he’s an elite defender, not just a slugger. He brings the whole package as a catcher.
And honestly, his value goes way past his own skills. Raleigh leads the Mariners’ pitching staff like he’s been doing it forever.
Catchers rarely get enough credit for shaping a team’s pitching strategy, but Raleigh’s guidance has been crucial for the Mariners’ rotation this year.
The Mariners’ Playoff Push: A Team Transforming Around Its Star
Mariners fans have put up with plenty of mediocrity over the years. But this season, Raleigh and the squad are finally giving them reason to hope.
With “The Big Dumper” anchoring the offense, Seattle’s right in the middle of the playoff race. His steady bat and leadership are setting the tone for everyone in that clubhouse.
The Contract That Secures the Future
The Mariners made their faith in Raleigh clear by signing him to a six-year, $105 million extension. That keeps him in Seattle through 2030.
The deal isn’t just about what he’s doing now—it plants him firmly as the face of the franchise. For fans desperate for a generational star, Raleigh’s checked every box so far.
Eyeing the Pinnacle: A World Series for Seattle?
Raleigh’s not just chasing personal stats—he’s set on bringing a World Series to Seattle. Since 2022, he’s energized both the clubhouse and the fanbase, and now the Mariners are thinking big.
Players like “The Big Dumper” don’t just change teams; they change the whole vibe. That’s the kind of impact he’s had in the Pacific Northwest.
The Home Run Derby: A Sentimental Spotlight
This season’s got a sentimental twist too. Raleigh’s set to compete in the upcoming Home Run Derby, and his dad will be pitching to him.
Moments like that remind us there’s a human side to all this—the game, the family, the tradition. It’s honestly kind of heartwarming.
Conclusion: The Making of an MVP—and a Legend
As 2025 rolls on, Cal Raleigh isn’t just playing the best baseball of his life. He’s changing the Mariners’ story, one game at a time.
With his bat, glove, and steady leadership, “The Big Dumper” has become a name Seattle can’t stop talking about. There’s something special about his hometown energy, too—people just connect with it.
He’s hammering home runs and making wild defensive plays that leave fans shaking their heads. You can’t help but feel like he’s the kind of player a team builds around.
For the Mariners, the future looks pretty bright. And let’s be honest, that future wears number 29.
Will Seattle’s season end with a World Series trophy? If Raleigh keeps up this MVP pace, maybe—just maybe—that wild dream could finally happen.
Here is the source article for this story: The myth of the Big Dumper: how Cal Raleigh became a Seattle folk hero
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