Seattle Mariners Superstar Cal Raleigh Reflects on Historic 60-Homer Season

Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh discusses his record-breaking 2025 campaign and his quest for a World Series title.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh reflects on his historic 2025 season, in which he hit 60 home runs and led the Mariners to their first American League Championship Series appearance since 2001. Raleigh discusses his power surge, the personal milestones he achieved, and his drive to win a World Series championship for the city of Seattle.

Why it matters

Raleigh's 60-homer season was one of the greatest individual performances in recent MLB history, cementing his status as one of the game's elite players. His ability to excel both offensively and defensively as a catcher makes his accomplishments even more impressive. The Mariners' deep playoff run has also reignited excitement and expectations around the franchise, which is seeking its first World Series title.

The details

In 2025, Raleigh hit 60 home runs, breaking multiple records and joining an exclusive club of players to reach that milestone. He became the first player in MLB history to hit at least 20 homers from each side of the plate in a single season. Raleigh also set a new power mark for catchers, obliterating the previous record of 48 homers by the Royals' Salvador Perez in 2021. Despite his offensive exploits, Raleigh remained a defensive stalwart, catching 121 games without a passed ball.

  • Raleigh hit 38 home runs before the 2025 All-Star break, setting an American League record.
  • On September 24, 2025, Raleigh hit his 59th and 60th home runs to clinch the AL West title for the Mariners.
  • In the 2025 ALCS, Raleigh batted .304 with 5 home runs and 8 RBIs, but the Mariners fell to the Blue Jays in Game 7.

The players

Cal Raleigh

A 29-year-old catcher for the Seattle Mariners who had a historic 60-homer season in 2025, breaking multiple records and leading the Mariners to the ALCS.

Edgar Martinez

The Mariners' senior director of hitting strategy, who credited Raleigh's improved plate discipline and ability to stay "behind the ball" as key factors in his power surge.

Ken Griffey Jr.

A Hall of Fame outfielder and three-time Home Run Derby champion, who was in attendance at the 2025 All-Star Game to watch Raleigh win the Derby.

Buster Posey

The 2012 National League MVP, who praised Raleigh's all-around performance, saying his ability to excel both at the plate and behind it was "immeasurable" in value to the Mariners.

Jason Varitek

The former Red Sox captain, who Raleigh cited as a role model growing up due to Varitek's success as a switch-hitting catcher who won multiple World Series titles.

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What they’re saying

“What he's done the first half has been unbelievable. It's mind-boggling. But, to him, he would probably take 15 home runs away to have a 10-game lead at the end of the year. I mean, that's just who he is. For him to juggle a pitching staff and go out and hit is pretty impressive.”

— Ken Griffey Jr. (MLB Network)

“To do what he's done behind the plate, to lead the staff, the grind of being behind the plate [and] to hit 60 homers and to do it in meaningful games down the stretch, I think it's immeasurable, his value to that team.”

— Buster Posey, 2012 National League MVP (KNBR radio)

What’s next

The judge in Raleigh's case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow him out on bail.

The takeaway

Raleigh's historic 2025 season highlighted his ability to excel both offensively and defensively as a catcher, cementing his status as one of the game's elite players. However, his ultimate goal remains winning a World Series championship for the city of Seattle, which has fueled his drive and ambition going forward.