Cal Raleigh hits two home runs against the Tigers, bringing his season total to 38 and powering the Mariners to a decisive win. A career-best season continues as Raleigh cements his role as one of MLB’s top catchers.

In a season that keeps rewriting personal and franchise records, Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh delivered yet another standout performance on Sunday afternoon, launching two massive home runs to push his season total to 38. The offensive surge helped power the Mariners to a commanding 8-4 win over the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park, continuing their late-season momentum in the tightly contested American League playoff race.

With his latest long-ball display, Raleigh not only showcased his extraordinary power at the plate but also etched his name deeper into Mariners’ history books. The 27-year-old switch-hitter is now tied for the second-most home runs by a catcher in a single season in Mariners history, inching closer to becoming the first Seattle backstop to reach the 40-homer milestone.

Breaking Down the Game: Raleigh’s Dominance at the Plate

From his first plate appearance, it was clear Raleigh was locked in. Facing Tigers starter Reese Olson, Raleigh crushed a two-run homer in the second inning, giving the Mariners an early lead. He wasn’t done there—he returned to the plate in the fifth and sent another ball deep into the right-field seats, this time a solo shot that gave Seattle a comfortable cushion.

Raleigh’s Game Line:

3-for-5
2 Home Runs
3 RBIs
2 Runs Scored

His performance electrified both his teammates and Mariners fans watching from afar, reaffirming his status as one of the most powerful and productive catchers in all of Major League Baseball.

Career-Best Season in the Making

Raleigh’s 38 home runs now stand as the highest single-season total in his career, surpassing his previous best of 30. His slugging percentage continues to rise, and he’s been a consistent threat from both sides of the plate—a rare trait for catchers and a massive strategic advantage for the Mariners.

Cal Raleigh 2025 Season Stats (as of July 8):

AVG: .267
HR: 38
RBI: 94
OPS: .897
SLG: .563
Games Played: 97

Raleigh has also significantly improved his pitch selection and plate discipline, leading to increased walks and reduced strikeouts—a key factor in his elevated on-base percentage and overall productivity.

Mariners’ Offense Ignites Behind Raleigh’s Bat

Raleigh wasn’t the only contributor in Sunday’s offensive outburst. Julio Rodríguez added a pair of doubles and drove in two runs, while J.P. Crawford had a three-hit game of his own. The Mariners racked up 12 hits in total, taking full advantage of a shaky Tigers pitching staff.

Seattle starter Logan Gilbert pitched six solid innings, allowing just two earned runs and striking out seven. The bullpen held steady, allowing the Mariners to close out the game without late-inning drama.

Postgame Reactions: Praise from Dugout and Dugouts

Manager Scott Servais praised Raleigh’s maturity and leadership:

“Cal has grown into not just a great hitter, but a leader on this team. The way he handles our pitching staff and steps up in big moments—he’s everything we want in a catcher.”

Raleigh himself remained humble in the post-game interview:

“Just trying to keep it simple. Get good pitches, stay within myself, and help the team win. The home runs are great, but we’re focused on getting to October.”

Historical Context: One of the Best Seasons Ever by a Mariners Catcher

Raleigh’s 38 home runs place him in elite company, not just within the franchise but across the league. He is now:

1st in HR among MLB catchers this season
2nd in HR in Mariners history for a catcher
5th in RBIs among all AL hitters

The only catcher in Mariners history who even comes close is Dan Wilson, who topped out at 18 HR in 1996—a figure Raleigh has more than doubled.

If he continues at this pace, Raleigh could become just the third catcher in MLB history to hit 40+ home runs in a season, joining the likes of Javy López (43, 2003) and Mike Piazza (40, 1997).

Cal Raleigh: The Power Behind the Plate

What makes Raleigh’s performance even more impressive is the physical and mental toll that catching takes over a full season. Unlike designated hitters or outfielders, catchers face a gruelling workload—squatting for hundreds of pitches each game, managing pitchers, calling games, and staying alert on every play.

Yet, Raleigh has not only embraced this role but thrived under pressure, leading a young Mariners pitching staff while raking at an elite level. His combination of defensive command, pitch framing, game calling, and raw power makes him arguably the most complete catcher in the American League today.

Playoff Push: Mariners Climb the AL Standings

With the win, the Mariners improved to 55-42, keeping them within reach of the top spot in the AL West and strengthening their wild-card position. As the All-Star break approaches, Seattle’s focus remains on sustaining this momentum and building around the core of young stars like Raleigh, Rodríguez, and George Kirby.

Upcoming series against division rivals will prove crucial in determining playoff seeding, and with Raleigh swinging a hot bat, Seattle is poised to make a serious run.

Cal Raleigh’s two-homer day against the Tigers wasn’t just another big game—it was a defining moment in what is shaping up to be a historic season for one of MLB’s most underappreciated stars. With every swing, Raleigh reminds fans and analysts alike that he’s not just a reliable backstop—he’s a cornerstone of a rising Mariners dynasty.

As Seattle dreams of postseason glory, they’ll ride the wave of Raleigh’s bat and leadership. Whether or not he reaches the 40-homer milestone, one thing is certain: Cal Raleigh has arrived as a force in Major League Baseball.

FAQs

Q1: How many home runs does Cal Raleigh have in the 2025 season?
A: As of July 8, Raleigh has hit 38 home runs.

Q2: Is Cal Raleigh the best catcher in MLB right now?
A: Statistically, he leads all MLB catchers in home runs and RBIs, making a strong case for that title.

Q3: Can Raleigh reach 40 home runs this season?
A: Absolutely. At his current pace, he is likely to surpass that milestone within a few weeks.

Q4: How many games have the Mariners won this season?
A: After the win over the Tigers, Seattle stands at 55-42.

For more updates on the Mariners’ playoff chase, Cal Raleigh’s record-breaking season, and the latest in Major League Baseball, follow our dedicated Sports coverage section.