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Mariners' Cal Raleigh Makes MLB History After Yankees Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin M. Groe | Last updated Jul 9, 2025 2:56 PM ET

Catcher Cal Raleigh is in his fifth major-league season after debuting with the Seattle Mariners in 2021 and has established himself as a formidable force in Seattle’s lineup.

Raleigh joined the organization when he was selected in the third round of the 2018 MLB Draft by the Mariners out of Florida State University.

In March, Raleigh agreed to a six-year, $105 million contract extension that features a full no-trade clause. The deal covers his three arbitration seasons and three years of free-agent eligibility, beginning this year.

The Mariners committed to Raleigh after back-to-back 30-home-run seasons and commended his defensive work behind one of MLB’s top pitching staffs, where his framing metrics ranked among the game’s best. In 2025, Raleigh has emerged as a superstar, making the extension look like a bargain.

After obliterating his MLB-leading 36th home run against the New York Yankees on Tuesday, he joined Mickey Mantle—who hit 39 in 1961—as the only switch-hitter to reach that mark before the month of August.

With 22 days remaining in July, Raleigh will have an opportunity to chase down Mantle’s mark over the next few weeks and further cement his place in the record books.

Cal Raleigh has hit 36 home runs so far this season.

The only other switch hitter in MLB history with that many HRs before August in a single season was Mickey Mantle in 1961 (39). pic.twitter.com/DApnPRkqAZ
— OptaSTATS (@OptaSTATS) July 9, 2025

Through 89 games this season, Raleigh is hitting .268 with a 1.029 OPS, 76 RBIs and the major-league lead in home runs. His production has placed him into the AL MVP conversation alongside Aaron Judge, a two-time award winner.

Raleigh was named to his first All-Star Game last week and has decided to participate in the Home Run Derby this year to showcase his power.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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