On Monday night at T-Mobile Park, Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh achieved a historic feat by hitting his 33rd home run of the season. This milestone places him among an exclusive group of American League legends, as the Mariners secured a 6-2 win against the Kansas City Royals. Raleigh’s extraordinary power display has brought him national attention and marks a significant moment in his career.
Joining Baseball’s Elite with Record Power
Raleigh now stands alongside famed Hall of Famers like Babe Ruth, Reggie Jackson, and Ken Griffey Jr., all of whom accomplished hitting 33 or more home runs within their team’s first 84 games of a season. What makes Raleigh’s achievement especially remarkable is that he is the very first catcher to reach this level of home run production in American League history. This places him in rarefied company as the 2025 season progresses:
Babe Ruth (1921, 1928)
Reggie Jackson (1969)
Ken Griffey Jr. (1994, 1998)
Cal Raleigh (2025)
His inclusion in this group highlights both his current outstanding form and his potential to become a permanent fixture among baseball’s elite hitters.
Upcoming Events and Continued Success
Raleigh’s powerful season has earned him a spot in the upcoming Home Run Derby in Atlanta, further solidifying his rise in prominence. Although the official rosters for the All-Star Game will be announced later this week, Raleigh’s outstanding statistics make his selection almost guaranteed. His milestone of crossing 100 career home runs earlier this season adds to his growing legacy.
In addition to Raleigh’s historic night, his teammate Randy Arozarena also contributed significantly, smashing two home runs to reach the 100th and 101st marks of his own career, underscoring the Mariners’ home run strength.
Mariners Position Themselves Competitively in AL West
With the victory over Kansas City, Seattle improved their record to 44-40, climbing to second place in the fiercely contested American League West division. They currently trail the division-leading Houston Astros by six games but hold onto the final wild card spot, keeping postseason hopes alive as the season reaches its midpoint.
The Mariners will look to maintain this momentum during the next game against the Royals on Tuesday, with Emerson Hancock expected to pitch against Kansas City’s Michael Lorenzen, an important matchup as Seattle aims to strengthen its playoff chances.
Looking Forward: Raleigh’s Impact on Mariners’ Future
The excitement among Mariners fans is growing as Cal Raleigh continues to make history and the team remains in playoff contention. Raleigh’s breakthrough season not only elevates his own status but also boosts the Mariners’ prospects in a challenging AL West. As the summer continues, both Raleigh and the Mariners appear poised for an impactful remainder of the season.