The Seattle Mariners’ season has been a mix of ups and downs, holding a 41-39 record and a plus 11 run differential, placing them second in the American League West. Amid this, Cal Raleigh has stood out remarkably, hitting 32 home runs before the All-Star break, the highest ever for a catcher in MLB history. This surpasses the previous milestone of 28 home runs set by Johnny Bench in 1970.
Announcement of Raleigh’s Participation in the Home Run Derby
Raleigh revealed on Instagram that he will compete in the Home Run Derby scheduled for July 14. This announcement quickly drew attention from MLB, which acknowledged his feat enthusiastically on the social platform X.
Leading MLB and Standout Season Statistics
Besides setting the catcher home run record, Raleigh’s 32 homers lead all MLB players, outpacing stars like Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees and Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who each have 28. His impressive stats also include 79 game appearances with 295 at-bats, 81 hits, 58 runs, 69 RBIs, and 47 walks. His batting line stands at a .275 average, .380 on-base percentage, and .651 slugging percentage, resulting in a 1.031 OPS.
Advancement in All-Star Voting and MVP Consideration
Raleigh has advanced to Phase 2 of All-Star voting, leading all American League catchers in the first phase, despite never having participated in an All-Star Game before. This year’s All-Star Game is set for July 15. Additionally, Raleigh is considered a strong contender for the American League MVP, with ESPN BET listing him as the second favorite with +450 odds, a significant feat for a Mariners player since Ichiro Suzuki’s MVP win in 2001.
Significance of Raleigh’s Achievements for Mariners and MLB
Cal Raleigh’s record-breaking power display and outstanding overall performance not only spotlight his individual growth but also offer the Seattle Mariners a notable competitive edge. His participation in the Home Run Derby will showcase his talent to a wider audience and could boost his profile ahead of the All-Star Game. If his MVP chances continue to rise, Raleigh may mark a critical turning point for the Mariners, inspiring the team and fans alike.