Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh shattered the record for most home runs by a catcher in a season with back-to-back blasts against the Athletics on Sunday, reaching a total of 48 and 49 home runs. This impressive feat not only cements his name as one of the top power hitters this season but also marks a new milestone in MLB history.
Raleigh’s achievement surpasses Salvador Perez’s previous record, which he set in 2021. While Raleigh has been consistent in reaching 30 home runs in the past two years, it is the speed and magnitude of his current pace that makes his performance stand out. Notably, Raleigh has benefited from nine DH appearances, with 15 of his home runs coming as a designated hitter.
This season, Raleigh leads the majors in home runs and is on track to join an elite group of catchers, including Johnny Bench, who led the league with 45 home runs in 1970. Analysts point out that Raleigh’s impressive performance, particularly against pitcher-friendly home park Seattle, showcases his remarkable power-hitting ability.
Raleigh’s impressive season has garnered attention regarding potential records he may break or surpass. With a projected 54 home runs, he is poised to challenge the record held by Mickey Mantle in 1961 and Ken Griffey Jr.’s consecutive 56-homer seasons in 1997 and ’98. The Mariners’ current team record, set by Griffey Jr., remains within reach as Raleigh continues his remarkable season.
Among the top 50-homer seasons in MLB history, several notable performances stand out, including Luis Gonzalez’s 57 home runs in 2001, Roger Maris’s 61 in 1961, and George Foster’s 52 in 1977. Notably, some of these seasons appear more surprising due to context or circumstances surrounding the players’ careers.
Raleigh’s performance falls among these notable examples, with analysts attributing his season as a testament to his exceptional power-hitting abilities. While his path to 50 home runs is far from certain, Raleigh’s current pace and impressive resume make him a top contender for several MLB records.
With only 31 games left in the Mariners’ schedule, fans eagerly await Raleigh’s next milestone.
Source: https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/46065880/mlb-2025-cal-raleigh-catcher-home-run-record-seattle-mariners-historic-power-seasons