Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh made history on Saturday night when he blasted his 40th home run of the 2025 season during a game against the Los Angeles Angels.
This milestone not only cemented his reputation as one of the game’s elite sluggers, but it also broke Ken Griffey Jr.’s franchise record for most home runs by a Mariner in their first five MLB seasons.
Raleigh leads the MLB in home runs, just ahead of Shohei Ohtani, and now finds himself in the thick of MVP chatter.
Cal Raleigh’s Historic Home Run: Breaking Ken Griffey Jr.’s Record
In the sixth inning, Raleigh launched a home run off Angels pitcher José FermÃn, and the crowd buzzed with excitement.
This shot marked his 133rd career homer, pushing him past Ken Griffey Jr. for most home runs in a Mariner’s first five seasons—a record Griffey set during his electric run in Seattle.
An Elite Season and Exclusive Company in MLB History
The 2025 season has turned into Raleigh’s breakout year, pushing him into rare company.
With 40 home runs, he joined just six other catchers in MLB history to reach that mark, a list that includes Hall of Famers Johnny Bench and Mike Piazza.
Being in that group says a lot about his blend of power and durability, especially for a catcher.
Leading the MLB in Home Runs and Entering the MVP Debate
Raleigh’s power surge put him atop the league’s home run leaderboard, holding a slim two-homer edge over Shohei Ohtani.
People can’t help but debate his MVP chances, especially with Yankees star Aaron Judge out injured.
Raleigh’s numbers are up across the board: a .255 batting average and 12 stolen bases show he’s more than just a slugger.
On Pace for Career Highs in Multiple Categories
He’s already set a personal best for home runs and looks like he’ll beat last season’s 100-RBI mark.
That .255 average shows he’s added more consistency to his game, not just raw power.
Raleigh’s Impact on the Mariners’ Postseason Push
Raleigh’s huge season has made the Mariners real contenders in the American League playoff race.
He’s helped push the team to second place in the AL West, just four games behind the Astros.
The Mariners are right in the thick of the AL wild card hunt, hoping to lock down a playoff spot for the second straight year.
The Mariners Catcher Tradition: Following Griffey’s Path
Raleigh’s place in Mariners history goes beyond just home runs.
He and Griffey Jr. are the only Mariners to win the Home Run Derby, which ties them together in franchise lore.
With Raleigh now a force in the lineup, Seattle fans are starting to believe they might capture some of that old Griffey magic again.
A Season to Remember
With only a few weeks left in the 2025 MLB season, Cal Raleigh keeps rewriting Mariners history.
His mix of power and consistency has made him one of the game’s top players and given Seattle a real shot at October baseball.
What Lies Ahead for Cal Raleigh?
The Mariners are fighting for a playoff spot, and honestly, all eyes are glued to Raleigh right now. Can he really keep up this insane pace and hold on to his MLB home run lead?
Will his bat be enough to shove Seattle into October baseball? It’s a big ask, but you’ve got to wonder.
One thing’s for sure—Cal Raleigh’s become a legit rising star. People are starting to mention his name with some of the game’s legends, and for good reason.
Key Takeaways from Cal Raleigh’s Stellar Season:
- 40 Home Runs: He leads the MLB and just passed Ken Griffey Jr.’s franchise record.
- Elite Company: Only the seventh catcher in MLB history to hit 40 homers in a season.
- MVP Race: He’s right in the mix with names like Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge.
- Team Impact: He’s become vital to the Mariners’ playoff hopes in the AL West.
Raleigh’s rise as a cornerstone for the Mariners feels like the start of something big in Seattle. If you’re a baseball fan, you probably don’t want to miss what happens next.
Here is the source article for this story: Cal Raleigh hits home run No. 40, passing Ken Griffey Jr. for most Mariners HRs in first 5 MLB seasons
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