BREAKING: Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh has just made history by hitting his 49th home run of the season, surpassing Salvador Perez‘s record for the most home runs in a single season by a catcher. Raleigh blasted two home runs in back-to-back at-bats during the first two innings against the Oakland Athletics on August 27, 2025.
This remarkable achievement comes as the Mariners gear up for a critical stretch of games before September, making Raleigh’s power surge all the more impressive. With 49 home runs already, he is on track to become the first catcher in MLB history to reach the milestone of 50 home runs this season.
Raleigh’s performance this season has not only broken records but also positioned him as a leading candidate for MVP discussions. Despite hitting at a .223 average at home, he has maintained a formidable
“Cal Raleigh stands alone! Big Dumper is the first catcher in @MLB history to reach 49 home runs in a single season,” the Mariners tweeted following his record-setting performance.
Historically, Raleigh’s achievement ranks among the most surprising power-hitting seasons in MLB. While he had hit 30 home runs in the last two seasons, the sheer volume of his home runs this early in the season is astonishing. Notably, he has hit nine of those homers while serving as the designated hitter.
Cal Raleigh’s current trajectory puts him in elite company, alongside legends like Johnny Bench, who led the majors with 45 home runs in 1970. If Raleigh maintains his pace, he could also eclipse the home run totals of other notable catchers like Javy Lopez, who hit 42 home runs in 2003.
Raleigh’s performance is particularly noteworthy given the challenges he faces in Seattle’s home games. His home run rate has been curtailed by the notorious marine layer, yet he continues to defy expectations with his impressive output. The 2025 season could see him join an exclusive club of just 51 seasons in MLB history featuring 50 home runs or more.
This season’s record-breaking home runs have brought significant attention to Raleigh and the Mariners, who are in a tight race for the division title and wild-card spots. As the season progresses, fans are eager to see if Raleigh can sustain this extraordinary performance. His ability to remain healthy and productive will be crucial as the Mariners push for a playoff berth.
Looking ahead, the Mariners will need to manage Raleigh’s workload carefully, especially as he has accumulated a high number of strikeouts in August. With only three games missed this season, the question remains whether Raleigh can continue this historic pace without fatigue impacting his performance.
As Raleigh gears up for what could be a historic finish to the 2025 season, fans and analysts alike are buzzing with anticipation. Could this remarkable catcher not only lead his team to the playoffs but also solidify his name in the annals of baseball history? Keep watching as the drama unfolds in the coming weeks!