Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh has established himself as a formidable player in Major League Baseball, posting an impressive .268/.383/.646 slash line in the American League. As his star rises, Raleigh openly acknowledges the challenges and honors that come with being compared to an elite player like New York Yankees captain Aaron Judge.
Raleigh shared his thoughts during a recent game against the Yankees, admitting that though he is not accustomed to intense media attention, he values the recognition and support he has received. He expressed gratitude for his current standing in a highly competitive environment.
“I don’t necessarily enjoy [the attention], but it means you are doing something right. I’m very fortunate to be in that spot. I try to keep it rolling. I know a lot of people would like to be in these shoes. I’m grateful for it, understanding that I’m very happy where I’m at.” —Cal Raleigh, Seattle Mariners catcher
Raleigh went on to highlight his deep admiration for Aaron Judge, describing him as a larger-than-life figure and one of the greatest to ever play the game. Being mentioned in the same context as Judge is, by itself, a tremendous honor for Raleigh.
“[Aaron Judge] is a lot bigger than me. He is an amazing player. What he is doing out there is crazy. He is one of the best to ever do it. He is a special player. Me being in that sentence, I’m just grateful to be in there. He is a really good one.” —Cal Raleigh, Seattle Mariners catcher
Despite his personal achievements, Raleigh remains focused on team success. For the 28-year-old, winning games and helping the Mariners improve their position in the American League standings outweighs individual statistics or accolades.
How Cal Raleigh Approaches Challenges at the Plate
Raleigh revealed that his mindset centers on steady progress and handling each challenge as it comes, rather than getting overwhelmed by long-term goals. He emphasized the importance of taking things one pitch and one day at a time to maintain consistency in his performance.
“I’m more focused on what I did at the plate — the process of it, the day-to-day of it rather than achieve a certain goal. I have to do this today in order to be where I want to be. Now, it’s just one pitch at a time, trying to win each individual pitch.” —Cal Raleigh, Seattle Mariners catcher
This patient approach was influenced by former teammate Justin Turner, who taught Raleigh to value walks and base hits instead of becoming frustrated when home runs don’t come. Understanding his own strengths and areas for improvement continues to be a vital part of Raleigh’s growth as a player.
As Cal Raleigh continues to develop his game and earn respect alongside icons like Aaron Judge, his dedication to both personal progress and team victories marks him as a compelling figure in this MLB season. His emphasis on process over immediate results, combined with his humility in the media spotlight, suggests Raleigh is prepared for sustained success in the American League and beyond.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why is Cal Raleigh the big dumper?
A. Raleigh’s nickname, “Big Dumper,” was made popular by his old teammate Jarred Kelenic. Kelenic began using it in 2020 and tweeted it in 2021 when Raleigh joined the Mariners. Raleigh’s mom doesn’t like the nickname, but she values the fans’ encouragement for her son.
Q. How much is Cal Raleigh paid?
A. JT Realmuto, a player for the Phillies, signed a contract worth $115.5 million from 2021 to 2025. Cal Raleigh, from the Mariners, has a deal valued at $105 million for 2025 to 2030.
Q. Is Cal Raleigh any good?
A. Before this season, Raleigh was known as one of the best catchers and an overlooked star in baseball. This year, he’s improved even more. He’s now hitting .281/.386/.667 and has a league-leading 69 RBIs, starting in all but two of the Mariners’ first 78 games.
Q. How much does Cal Raleigh make?
A. The Mariners’ $105 million deal with Cal Raleigh is a great bargain for the top catcher in MLB.