Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh has emerged as a leading candidate for the American League Player of the Month award as June concludes. His outstanding offensive output throughout the month has placed him among the top hitters in the MLB, fueling his team’s success and drawing league-wide recognition ahead of the Mariners’ series finale against the Texas Rangers.
Throughout June, Raleigh has demonstrated exceptional power and consistency, ranking second in all of MLB with 10 home runs. He leads the American League with 25 runs batted in (RBIs) and shares the top spot for runs scored, with 21. Beyond home runs, he has accumulated 16 extra-base hits, 64 total bases, and maintains a slugging percentage of .688. These numbers are complemented by an impressive 1.086 on-base plus slugging (OPS) and a 1.8 FanGraphs Wins Above Replacement (fWAR), solidifying his position as one of the game’s premier offensive players this month.
Historic Milestones Elevate Raleigh’s Candidacy
Raleigh’s achievements this season go well beyond monthly statistics and include breaking key Major League Baseball records. Heading into the final days of June, he leads the league with 32 home runs. This total sets a new MLB record for the most home runs hit by a catcher and a switch-hitter before the All-Star break, underscoring his rare combination of power and versatility.
His power display has earned him a coveted spot in the upcoming Home Run Derby, making him just the eighth player ever to qualify for this elite contest. A particular highlight was his grand slam, which accounted for his 27th home run of the year and propelled him back to the top of the home run leaderboard. The ball’s 6.4-second hang time exemplified his explosive hitting ability and his capacity to alter the course of a game with one swing.
Consistent Season Production and What Lies Ahead
Beyond his June heroics, Cal Raleigh has been a key contributor all season long. Over 81 games, he has scored 59 runs and hit 16 doubles along with his 32 home runs. Leading the majors with 69 RBIs, Raleigh posts a batting average of .276, an on-base percentage of .387, and a slugging average of .648. His resulting OPS of 1.035 showcases a balanced and impactful offensive skill set that has been vital to the Mariners’ lineup.
Winning the AL Player of the Month award would place Raleigh among an exclusive group, marking the first time a Mariners player has earned the honor since his teammate Julio Rodriguez in August 2023. Additionally, Raleigh has already earned two Player of the Week awards this season, including one on June 21, reflecting his sustained high level of performance and consistency.
Why Cal Raleigh’s Rise Matters for the Mariners and MLB
Cal Raleigh’s stellar June not only positions him as a front-runner for the American League Player of the Month but also highlights his emergence as one of the top catchers in baseball. His record-setting home run totals and reliable offensive production are boosting the Mariners’ offense and capturing attention across the league. As the season advances, Raleigh’s continued excellence makes him a critical player to follow, with potential MVP-caliber impact on both his team and the broader MLB landscape.