Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh is making an extraordinary bid to break Johnny Bench’s historic record for catcher home runs before the All-Star break. As of now, Raleigh has 26 home runs, just two shy of tying Bench’s 28, a record set in 1970 and unbroken for more than 50 years. This pursuit highlights Raleigh’s emergence as one of Major League Baseball’s most exciting young talents.
With the midseason All-Star festivities starting July 14, Raleigh is pushing to surpass this venerable milestone, underscoring his skill and the growing prominence of catchers as offensive threats in the league today.
Current Standings in Home Run Chase Among Catchers
Raleigh shares the second spot in MLB history for most catcher home runs before the All-Star break alongside Ivan Rodriguez, who also hit 26 in 2000. The benchmark set by Bench at 28 remains the highest by a catcher at this point in the season, making Raleigh’s chase especially significant given the durability and hitting demands on catchers. If he adds two more before July 14, Raleigh will claim the record outright.
Seasonal Performance That Supports the Historic Chase
This season, Raleigh’s impact goes far beyond home runs. In 70 games, he has tallied 45 runs, 12 doubles, and 54 RBIs while maintaining an impressive slash line of .259/.369/.606 with a .975 OPS. He leads all catchers in multiple offensive categories including runs, RBIs, walks, stolen bases, and extra-base hits, reflecting his all-around contribution to the Mariners’ offense.
Raleigh’s influence is recognized in advanced metrics as well, ranking second in Major League Baseball with a 4.0 fWAR (FanGraphs Wins Above Replacement), trailing only the American League’s reigning MVP, Aaron Judge. His 3.3 bWAR (Baseball Reference WAR) ties him for eighth in the league, showing his well-rounded value on both offense and defense.
Seattle Mariners’ Investment and Support
Prior to this season, the Mariners secured Raleigh with a six-year, $105 million contract, signaling their confidence in his future as a franchise cornerstone. Raleigh’s consistent play this year validates this commitment and demonstrates why the Mariners see him as essential to their long-term success.
All-Star Voting and Milestones on the Horizon
Raleigh is currently second in American League All-Star voting for his position, trailing only Aaron Judge. Should he maintain his momentum, he will become the first Mariners catcher ever named an All-Star Game starter—a historic achievement for both him and the franchise. This acknowledgment would further cement Raleigh’s rising status in the league.
The Broader Impact and What Lies Ahead
Cal Raleigh’s pursuit of Johnny Bench’s record is about more than just numbers; it symbolizes the evolving power and significance of catchers in the modern game. As he approaches this historic milestone, Raleigh inspires fans and players alike with his determination and skill. The Mariners, and the broader baseball community, are watching closely, anticipating how far his upward trajectory will take him before the All-Star break and beyond.