Mariners React to Cal Raleigh News on Monday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Nov 3, 2025 6:57 PM ET

The Seattle Mariners fell one win short of reaching the franchise’s first World Series, losing Game 7 of the ALCS to the Toronto Blue Jays. Despite the disappointing finish, the 2025 campaign marked a major step forward and stands as the most successful season in team history. A key reason for that success was the breakout of catcher Cal Raleigh, who put together a season for the record books.

Raleigh crushed 60 home runs, setting a new single-season mark for both the Mariners and for catchers across MLB. His production was not limited to power. He posted a .247 batting average, .359 on-base percentage, .948 OPS, 125 RBIs and 14 stolen bases across 159 games. In his fifth season with the organization, Raleigh showed he could impact the game in every phase.

Raleigh’s emergence gave Seattle a true middle-of-the-order threat and a steady presence behind the plate. With his combination of power, durability and leadership, Raleigh helped fuel the team’s deep postseason run and raised expectations for what the Mariners can accomplish in 2026.

Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh (29)© John Froschauer-Imagn Images

On Tuesday, Cal Raleigh was named a finalist for the 2025 American League MVP Award by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America (BBWAA), a recognition of his record-setting season and leadership behind the plate. The Mariners shared the announcement on X.
“Slugger. Catcher. Leader. Cal Raleigh is a finalist for @officialbbwaa’s American League Most Valuable Player Award! #TridentsUp,” the team wrote.

The Mariners also added, “Cal Raleigh is the first @Mariners player to finish in the top 3 of the @officialBBWAA MVP voting since Hall of Famer Ichiro Suzuki won the award as a rookie in 2001.” That puts Raleigh’s 2025 season in rare company and underscores just how impactful his performance was.

Cal Raleigh is the first @Mariners player to finish in the top 3 of the @officialBBWAA MVP voting since Hall of Famer Ichiro Suzuki won the award as a rookie in 2001. https://t.co/vJdY4UyQn9
— Mariners PR (@MarinersPR) November 3, 2025

Raleigh’s nomination adds to a growing list of accolades. He earned the first All-Star selection of his career in 2025 and has previously been honored with both a Gold Glove and a Platinum Glove for his defensive work.

His presence behind the plate and production in the heart of Seattle’s lineup helped drive the most successful season in franchise history. As the Mariners look to build on their deep postseason run, Raleigh stands at the center of their future.

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

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