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MLB Reacts to Cal Raleigh Announcement Amid Historic Season

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nate Lunak | Last updated Jun 27, 2025 2:34 PM ET

It's been a very up-and-down season for the Seattle Mariners, who currently have a plus 11 run differential and a 41-39 record, putting them in second place in the American League West.

However, one completely dominant player is Cal Raleigh, as his 32 home runs are the most for a catcher in MLB history before the All-Star break, crushing the previous record holder, Johnny Bench, who had 28 in 1970.

Now, his power will be on full display as on Friday, Raleigh announced in an Instagram post that he will be participating in the Home Run Derby, scheduled to take place on July 14.

That news quickly caught the attention of MLB, which posted its reaction on X, saying "BIG DUMPER IN THE DERBY."

BIG DUMPER IN THE DERBY

MLB home run leader Cal Raleigh announced on Instagram he’ll be in Atlanta for the @TMobile #HRDerby! pic.twitter.com/qqWjbHUj4h
— MLB (@MLB) June 27, 2025

It's certainly a well-deserved honor for Raleigh, as his 32 home runs also lead all of MLB, while the next closest players are New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge and Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani, who each have 28.

The home runs aren't his only impressive stat either, as Raleigh's appeared in 79 games, racking up 295 at-bats, 81 hits, 58 runs scored, 69 RBIs and 47 walks while slashing .275/.380/.651 with a 1.031 OPS.

Raleigh also advanced to Phase 2 of All-Star voting after leading all AL catchers in votes through Phase 1, which is a big deal considering he's never participated in an All-Star Game before, with this year's set to be played on July 15 at Truist Park in Atlanta.

That may not be the only accolade Raleigh takes home this year, though, as ESPN BET currently gives him the second-best odds (+450) to win AL MVP, which is something no member of the Mariners has won since Ichiro Suzuki in 2001.

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

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