Cal Raleigh has become a household name this season in Major League Baseball. While the "Big Dumper", as he is affectionately known, is in his fifth season with the Seattle Mariners, the rest of MLB has come to realize the special kind of talent he possesses. The 24-year-old catcher has been a proven home run hitter since launching 27 long balls in 2022 (his second MLB season), but even Raleigh has taken his power to new heights this season.
Cal Raleigh Joins MLB Hall of Famer in Mariners Home Run History Books originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Cal Raleigh has become a household name this season in Major League Baseball. While the "Big Dumper", as he is affectionately known, is in his fifth season with the Seattle Mariners, the rest of MLB has come to realize the special kind of talent he possesses.
The 24-year-old catcher has been a proven home run hitter since launching 27 long balls in 2022 (his second MLB season), but even Raleigh has taken his power to new heights this season.
Raleigh, fresh off his Home Run Derby victory during MLB All-Star weekend inside Truist Park, sent his first home run of the second half over the right field fence inside his home stadium, T-Mobile Park.
Whether he knew it or not, Raleigh's 391-foot, game-winning blast against the Milwaukee Brewers put him in elite company. This blast was home run No. 132 of his career, tying Hall of Famer, Ken Griffey Jr. for the most home runs through their first five seasons in Mariners history.
Cal Raleigh ties Ken Griffey Jr. for the most home runs through the first 5 seasons in @Mariners history!
— MLB (@MLB) July 23, 2025
(MLB x @CitizenWatchUS) pic.twitter.com/g5jamB71bg
Griffey Jr. would go on to hit 630 total home runs over 22 MLB seasons. Raleigh has joined impressive company.
Raleigh's blast on Tuesday also puts him in the league lead with 39 home runs. Raleigh has already set a new career-high with his previous best coming in 2024 when he hit 34 home runs.
Raleigh's impressive season has him in a position to create multiple forms of history. As per FanDuel Sportsbook, he currently stands as the second favorite to win the AL MVP award (plus-450) behind only New York Yankees slugger, Aaron Judge (minus-700).
If Raleigh is able to win the AL MVP award, he would become the first catcher to win MVP since Buster Posey in 2012. Raleigh would also join Johnny Bench (1972) and Roy Campanella (1953) as the only catchers to win MVP and lead the league in home runs in the same season.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 23, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Baseball
