The 2025 MLB season is already wild, and it’s all thanks to a power-hitting explosion that’s changing the game’s vibe. Cal Raleigh, the Mariners’ All-Star catcher, leads the charge with a staggering 38 home runs by the All-Star break—nobody else in MLB has more right now.
Four other sluggers have also crossed the 30-homer mark before the break. This could be the year single-season home run records get a real scare, and honestly, fans can’t get enough of it.
Let’s dig into the numbers, the records, and maybe why everyone’s talking about this home run frenzy.
Cal Raleigh’s Historic Pace
Cal Raleigh has taken over as the face of MLB’s home run wave, sitting at 38 bombs as the All-Star break arrives. He’s on pace for a jaw-dropping 64 by season’s end, which is just… wild.
If he keeps this up, Raleigh could blow past the single-season home run records for both catchers and switch-hitters. Javy López set the catcher record at 42 in 2003.
For switch-hitters, Mickey Mantle’s 54 in 1961 is still the gold standard. Raleigh is also chasing Aaron Judge’s American League record—Judge hit 62 in 2022.
More Than Just Raleigh: A Power Surge Across MLB
Raleigh’s having a season for the ages, but he’s not alone. Aaron Judge (35), Shohei Ohtani (32), Eugenio Suárez (31), and Kyle Schwarber (30) have all joined the 30-home run club by the break.
It’s the first time since 2006 that five guys have done this by midseason. The league hasn’t seen a home run race like this in a long time.
Historic Home Run Paces
Here’s where things stand if these guys keep up their current paces:
- Cal Raleigh: 64 projected home runs
- Aaron Judge: 59 projected home runs
- Shohei Ohtani: 53 projected home runs
- Eugenio Suárez: 52 projected home runs
- Kyle Schwarber: 51 projected home runs
If these numbers hold, Raleigh could join the ultra-exclusive 60-homer club—only nine players in MLB history have ever done that. We might also see more guys hit 50 in a single year than ever before.
What’s Behind the Power Surge?
Players and coaches have been tossing around theories about why the home runs are flying. Some say it’s better contact and swing paths, others talk about aggressive offensive strategies.
Whatever the reason, hitters are taking advantage and putting on a show.
Pitchers Feeling the Pressure
Pitchers can feel the difference, too. Every hitter in the lineup suddenly looks like a threat to go deep, which means pitchers have to be even sharper.
The power surge has turned every at-bat into a real chess match.
Final Thoughts
The All-Star break usually gives everyone a chance to reset and reflect. This year, though, it lands right in the middle of a wild, electrifying season.
Cal Raleigh, Aaron Judge, and Shohei Ohtani are leading the charge. Fans can expect plenty of fireworks as baseball heads into what might be its most thrilling second half in years.
Buckle up—maybe we really are watching history unfold.
Here is the source article for this story: Raleigh on pace for 60 HRs … who else can reach that in ’25?
Experience Baseball History in Person
Want to walk the same grounds where baseball legends made history? Find accommodations near iconic ballparks across America and create your own baseball pilgrimage.
Check availability at hotels near: Yankee Stadium, Fenway Park, Wrigley Field, Dodger Stadium
Plan your ballpark visit: Get MLB Ballpark Tickets and find accommodations nearby.
- Biographies
- Stadium Guides
- Current Baseball Players
- Current Players by Team
- Players that Retired in the 2020s
- Players that Retired in the 2010s
- Players that Retired in the 2000s
- Players that Retired in the 1990s
- Players that Retired in the 1980s
- Players that Retired in the 1970s
- Players that Retired in the 1960s
- Players that Retired in the 1950s
- Players that Retired in the 1940s
- Players that Retired in the 1930s