Cal Raleigh Just Hit 60 Home Runs—Is He MLB’s Most Underrated MVP Candidate?

A tale of strength, tenacity, and extraordinarily successful leadership, Cal Raleigh’s 2025 season has made him one of Major League Baseball’s most iconic characters. It used to seem impossible for a catcher to hit 60 home runs, but Raleigh broke that record and showed fans that extraordinary things can sometimes come from unexpected sources. In addition to boosting the Seattle Mariners’ postseason prospects, his ascent has changed the idea of what a contemporary catcher is capable of.

His impact on Seattle has been particularly noticeable, both in terms of numbers and intangibles. Although Aaron Judge’s dominance continues to garner media attention, Raleigh’s campaign has been very different; he is a backstop who carries both offensive and defensive responsibilities in addition to being a slugger who patrols the outfield. In terms of offensive impact, Raleigh has shown himself to be not only capable but also remarkably similar to greats like Mike Piazza and Johnny Bench. Managers frequently emphasize how hard it is to find hitters who can handle the grind of catching.

Cal Raleigh Bio & Career Table

His strategy is based on discipline and consistency. Raleigh described his “motion is lotion” philosophy in interviews prior to the ALDS, which encapsulated his resolve to continue lifting, moving, and maintaining his stamina during downtime. It embodies the philosophy of top athletes who place a high value on durability, such as LeBron James. For a Mariners team that depends on Raleigh’s endurance in the taxing position of catcher, the approach has proven especially advantageous. He made sure his game remained much faster and sharper than opponents could predict by remaining active.

His power surge over the last few months electrified the league as a whole, not just Seattle. Following his 60th home run, fans celebrated in crowded stands, social media went wild, and even rival players acknowledged the significance of the accomplishment. Raleigh’s record carried cultural weight, in contrast to other milestones; it was about rewriting expectations for a position that is frequently disregarded, not just adding another name to the record books. He hit at a level usually reserved for corner outfielders and was incredibly durable, catching over 1,000 innings without a ball being passed.

For a long time, Felix Hernandez, Ichiro Suzuki, and Ken Griffey Jr. have dominated Seattle’s baseball history. But Raleigh’s season has made a name for itself. He is viewed by Mariners supporters as a player who embodies the showmanship of Griffey, the discipline of Ichiro, and the tenacity of Hernandez. He has developed into a tremendously adaptable member of the team, leading pitchers like George Kirby and Logan Gilbert with a maturity that belies his age in addition to serving as the lineup’s anchor.

Raleigh has an equally promising financial future. His 2025 salary of $1.2 million seems surprisingly low when compared to players like Shohei Ohtani or Judge, but his next deal might change the Mariners’ payroll. How to reward a generational catcher without compromising roster depth is a challenge as well as an opportunity for Seattle’s front office. The conflict is reminiscent of the Yankees’ choices when Judge rose to the position or the Angels’ choices with Ohtani, when teams had to choose which player would define their identity for the ensuing ten years.

There have been heated discussions about Judge and Raleigh’s MVP contest. Although Judge’s OPS is still considered historic, Raleigh’s achievement’s scarcity value—its extreme rarity—has garnered a lot of praise. Many executives contend that finding a slugging outfielder is easier than finding a catcher who can score 60 home runs while still playing excellent defense. Raleigh’s case has significantly improved as a result of this viewpoint, which raises the possibility that voters will recognize his distinctive contribution to the game.

Supporters have welcomed him with the same fervor that characterized Seattle’s relationship with Marshawn Lynch or even Russell Wilson. His genuineness has given him a resonance that goes beyond baseball, as evidenced by his recent partnerships with Alaska Airlines and other off-field ventures. Raleigh has established himself as a citywide figure whose influence extends into business, media, and local pride by fusing his accomplishments with Seattle’s larger cultural identity.

His composed yet resolute manner will be a great asset to a team looking to move on from setbacks in the postseason. Although Seattle’s 2022 playoff hopes were quickly dashed against Houston, the team now has a stronger, deeper roster led by a catcher who has already shown that he can carry a lineup. Raleigh’s presence is incredibly effective at relieving teammates of pressure, allowing hitters like Julio Rodríguez to shine without having to bear the entire load alone.