Mariners' Cal Raleigh Leads MLB Home Runs, Joins Derby Amid Historic Pace

Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh is having a historic 2025 MLB season, leading all players with 32 home runs, which is the most ever by a catcher before the All-Star break and four more than Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani. Raleigh, nicknamed "Big Dumper," is the first switch-hitter and catcher in MLB history to hit 30 home runs before the break and is on pace to potentially shatter the single-season home run record for catchers. He will make his debut in the Home Run Derby at the MLB All-Star Game at Truist Park, aiming to become the first catcher and first switch-hitter to win the event outright. Raleigh's participation in the derby is a significant moment personally, as his father will pitch to him and he hopes his younger brother will catch, with the derby taking place near where he grew up playing baseball. Despite the Mariners' uneven season, Raleigh's power-hitting performance has captured national attention and earned him a spot in the All-Star Game and strong MVP odds. His emergence as a top power hitter is redefining the value of catchers in baseball and providing hope for Mariners fans amid a challenging season.