Mariners’ Cal Raleigh: Why AL MVP Case Is Gaining Steam

Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh made baseball history on Sunday. He crushed his 48th and 49th home runs of the 2025 season, breaking the all-time single-season home run record for a catcher.

Even with the milestone, Raleigh didn’t get caught up in the moment. He kept his focus on the Mariners’ playoff chase after a crucial victory.

His incredible production, along with his leadership and defense, has sparked real MVP talk. Some of baseball’s most prestigious records now seem within his reach.

Raleigh’s Historic Power Surge

Raleigh’s new home run record has put him in rare company among MLB greats. His season slash line is now .282/.337/.693 with a 1.030 OPS.

Those numbers don’t just lead catchers—they rival the best hitters in the league. What really jumps out is his breakout from the right side of the plate, where he’d struggled before.

Now, he’s a much more complete switch-hitter.

From Struggles to Dominance

Earlier in his career, people saw Raleigh’s right-handed swing as a weakness. In 2025, he’s turned it into a real weapon, matching his left-handed power and production.

This improvement pushed him to the top of the league leaderboards. He’s now tied with Aaron Judge for the MLB lead in fWAR (7.3).

MVP Race Intensifies

Judge’s raw offensive stats might look better on paper. But Raleigh brings something else: elite two-way value.

His durability and leadership behind the plate, plus his record-breaking power, make him one of the game’s most complete players in 2025. MVP voters seem to be noticing that value isn’t just about home runs or batting averages—it’s about impact at your position.

The Defensive Anchor

Catching is brutal, and Raleigh’s year shows his toughness. He’s played through bruises, foul tips, and all sorts of knocks, never letting it slow him down.

His influence goes beyond his own play. He’s in constant strategy sessions with the pitching staff—like his recent work with Logan Gilbert—helping teammates reset and thrive on the mound.

Chasing Legends

Raleigh’s power surge is putting him close to some of baseball’s most iconic single-season feats. Among them:

• Mickey Mantle’s record for most home runs by a switch-hitter in a single season: 54 (1961).
• Ken Griffey Jr.’s Mariners franchise record for home runs in a season: 56 (1997).

The Weight of History

Passing either of those marks would lock Raleigh into Mariners lore—and MLB’s all-time archives. It’s wild to think about, considering the grind of catching every day and the mental load of handling a pitching staff.

Team Success at the Forefront

Even with all the personal accolades, Raleigh stays grounded. After the game, he said his only goal is to help the Mariners win as they push for the postseason.

That selfless approach is a big reason teammates and coaches see him as the club’s emotional leader.

Why Raleigh’s Season Matters Beyond Numbers

It’s easy to get swept up in the era of big bats and highlight-reel sluggers, but Raleigh’s a different breed. He brings power, defense, leadership, and durability—everything you’d want from a catcher.

Every pitch matters more when he’s behind the plate. He’s proving that you don’t need to play a flashy position to be elite.

Now, as the 2025 regular season winds down, all eyes are on Cal Raleigh. If he keeps launching home runs like this, he might just put his name next to Mantle and Griffey.

He’s even got a shot at edging out Aaron Judge for the American League MVP. Record-breaking power from a catcher? That’s not something you see every year.

Raleigh’s mix of skill, toughness, and leadership makes this season one to remember.

 
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