Cal Raleigh Hits 40th Homer, Boosts MVP Hopes in Mariners Win

The Seattle Mariners kept their playoff hopes alive Saturday night, rolling past the Los Angeles Angels 7-2. Cal Raleigh stole the show, smashing his 40th home run of the season in style.

That swing didn’t just light up the scoreboard—it cemented Raleigh’s place in Mariners history. He’s now only the fifth Mariner to reach 40 homers in a single season.

Guys like Ken Griffey Jr. and Alex Rodriguez are on that list, so Raleigh’s in good company. His power has really anchored Seattle’s offense this year.

Cal Raleigh: A Season for the Ages

Raleigh’s 40th homer wasn’t just another hit—it soared 416 feet off Angels pitcher Jose Fermin, breaking a 2-2 tie and kicking off a four-run inning. That clutch moment might just be the spark Seattle needed.

Breaking Records and Barriers

Raleigh set a new bar, becoming the first catcher and switch-hitter in MLB history to hit 40 home runs before the end of July. That’s a rare skill set, honestly.

Even though he’s been battling a rough patch at the plate—just .169 over his last 19 games—he keeps coming through when it matters. That’s why folks are starting to mention him in MVP talks.

Julio Rodríguez: A Star on the Rise

Raleigh’s getting plenty of attention, but Julio Rodríguez is making sure he’s not the only headline. He just hit his 18th home run and has now homered in three straight games.

Rodríguez’s steady power and sense of timing are huge for the Mariners as they keep chasing that AL West crown.

A Shared Offensive Burden

With Raleigh and Rodríguez both swinging hot bats, the Mariners have stayed in the hunt during some tough stretches. While other AL teams struggle with injuries or inconsistency, Seattle’s duo feels like a real lifeline.

Randy Arozarena Continues His Reliable Power Surge

Randy Arozarena joined the party Saturday, blasting his 20th homer of the season. That’s five straight years at 20 or more—a streak that gives the Mariners some much-needed depth in their lineup.

George Kirby’s Pitching Prowess

On the hill, George Kirby turned in another sharp outing, tossing six innings and giving up just one run while striking out nine. He got into a bases-loaded jam in his last inning but worked his way out of it, looking as calm as ever.

AL West Race Heats Up

This win meant more than just another tick in the W column. With the Astros losing to the Athletics, Seattle picked up ground in a division that’s getting tighter by the day.

The Mariners seem to be gaining momentum at just the right time.

Looking Ahead

Now, the question is whether they can keep it rolling. Can Raleigh keep mashing? Will Rodríguez and the rest of the crew keep delivering these big moments?

One thing’s for sure: the Mariners are making things interesting. If you’re not watching, maybe you should be.

Why Raleigh’s MVP Case Is Gaining Traction

Aaron Judge’s injury has kept him off the field, and a lot of top MVP candidates just aren’t matching Raleigh’s wild pace. Suddenly, Seattle’s catcher looks impossible to ignore.

• Historical achievement: Raleigh’s the first catcher and switch-hitter to knock 40 home runs before July. That’s a rare milestone.
• Impact in clutch moments: On Saturday, Raleigh’s home runs flipped the game. He seems to do that a lot.
• Team success: His bat is fueling the Mariners’ run at the AL West. You can feel his impact in the standings.

He’s got to keep slugging and maybe nudge that batting average up. If he does, you’ve got to think he’ll stay in the MVP conversation.

The Mariners look like they’re waking up at the right time. Raleigh, Rodríguez, and Kirby keep pushing them closer to October. Could this finally be the year? Fans in Seattle sure hope so.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Cal Raleigh joins rare company with 40th homer