Mariners' Cal Raleigh Sets MLB Catcher Home Run Record Before May End

Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh has made major league history by becoming the first catcher to hit 20 home runs before the end of May, reaching 21 homers early in the season. His performance includes a .265/.381/.623 slash line with 42 RBIs, 37 runs, six stolen bases, and 10 doubles through 56 games, showcasing MVP-caliber production. Raleigh's pace suggests he could shatter the record for most home runs by a primary catcher, potentially hitting 57 home runs this season, surpassing Salvador Perez's 48 in 2021. Additionally, Raleigh's six stolen bases put him on track to have the most stolen bases by an American League catcher since Ivan Rodriguez in 1999. Despite his offensive explosion, the Mariners fell 12-6 in an extra-inning game against the Twins where Raleigh contributed two home runs and five RBIs. His ongoing hot streak has him hitting safely in nine of his last ten games, solidifying his status as a rising star in the league.