Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh has etched his name into Major League Baseball history. On Sunday, during an emphatic 11-4 win over the Oakland Athletics, the switch-hitting slugger hit two home runs to move past Salvador Perez for the single-season record for most home runs by a primary catcher. Raleigh’s blasts were his 48th and 49th of the season, officially breaking a mark that had stood since 2021.

Raleigh has long been considered one of the league’s rising stars, but his 2025 campaign has transformed him into a household name. In the opening frame against Oakland, Raleigh launched a towering two-run shot that traveled an estimated 453 feet, instantly electrifying the Seattle crowd and giving his team a 2-0 advantage. Just one inning later, he did it again — another two-run homer to deep left-center that brought both him and Randy Arozarena home, extending the Mariners’ lead to 5-1.

The moment was as historic as it was emotional. After circling the bases, Raleigh was greeted by his teammates and received a standing ovation from the T-Mobile Park faithful. True to baseball tradition, he returned to the field to tip his helmet, acknowledging the fans who witnessed a record four years in the making.

From Perez to Raleigh: The Evolution of a Record

When Salvador Perez belted 48 home runs for the Kansas City Royals in 2021, it was seen as one of the most remarkable offensive achievements by a catcher since Johnny Bench set the standard in 1970 with 45 homers. Perez not only passed Bench but set a new bar for offensive production from behind the plate. That milestone stood as the gold standard until Raleigh came along in 2025.

Perez’s season was extraordinary in its own right, but Raleigh’s feat adds a new level of dominance. The Mariners’ catcher has not only reached elite offensive numbers but also established himself as one of the game’s best all-around players. Unlike Perez, whose defensive contributions often drew criticism from advanced metrics, Raleigh’s defense has been rated among the very best in the league.

A First-Half Surge That Made History Feel Inevitable

Raleigh’s march toward history began well before August. By the All-Star break, he had already hit an eye-popping 38 home runs, shattering his previous career high and putting him well ahead of the pace needed to challenge Perez. His consistent ability to drive the ball over the fence, combined with his plate discipline and switch-hitting power, made him a constant threat in the Mariners’ lineup.

That first-half explosion earned Raleigh his first All-Star Game selection. Not only did he represent the Mariners on the grand stage, but he also entered the Home Run Derby — and won it. The victory seemed like a precursor to the history he would later make, a sign of his ability to rise to the moment and thrive under pressure.

Historic Company Among Catchers

With his latest home runs, Raleigh now sits atop a legendary list of single-season power-hitting catchers. The leaderboard reads like a Hall of Fame roll call:

• Cal Raleigh, 2025 Seattle Mariners — 49 (and counting)

• Salvador Perez, 2021 Kansas City Royals — 48

• Johnny Bench, 1970 Cincinnati Reds — 45

• Javy Lopez, 2003 Atlanta Braves — 43

• Todd Hundley, 1996 New York Mets — 41

• Roy Campanella, 1953 Brooklyn Dodgers — 41

Within that group, Javy Lopez holds a unique distinction. Of his 43 home runs in 2003, 42 came while catching, giving him the record for most homers hit as a starting catcher. Raleigh, however, is closing in on that milestone as well. After Sunday’s game, 40 of his home runs this season have come while catching, leaving him just two shy of Lopez’s record.

Durability and Power: A Rare Combination

One of the keys to Raleigh’s success this season has been his durability. Much like Perez in 2021, Raleigh benefits from the ability to serve as the designated hitter on days he is not behind the plate. This flexibility has kept his bat in the lineup more frequently than many catchers, who often require rest days to preserve their stamina over a grueling 162-game season.

That workload is no small feat. Catching is widely regarded as the most physically demanding position in baseball. The fact that Raleigh has not only endured but excelled under these conditions speaks volumes about his resilience and conditioning.

The MVP Race Heats Up

Raleigh’s record-setting campaign has also vaulted him into serious contention for the American League MVP award. Salvador Perez finished seventh in the voting during his 2021 power surge, largely because his defense and overall metrics didn’t match his offensive fireworks. Raleigh, on the other hand, brings both sides of the game into play.

By mid-August, he had already accumulated a 7 fWAR, one of the highest totals in the league, and that number continues to rise. That blend of elite offense and elite defense makes him a frontrunner for the award. His primary competition? New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge, who is also putting together another impressive season despite dealing with injuries.

If Raleigh continues his current pace, he could very well secure not only a place in history books but also baseball’s most prestigious individual honor.

A Defining Season for Raleigh and the Mariners

For the Mariners, Raleigh’s breakout has been more than just individual glory. His power at the plate has been a driving force in their playoff push, giving Seattle a reliable offensive anchor to complement their pitching staff. The Mariners have long been searching for a player who can consistently produce at an MVP level, and Raleigh appears to be that cornerstone.

With over a month of baseball still to play, the story of Raleigh’s season is far from complete. He has already broken Perez’s home run record, but more milestones remain within reach — Lopez’s catcher-only record, continued MVP contention, and perhaps even leading Seattle on a deep postseason run.

For now, though, one thing is clear: Cal Raleigh has changed the conversation about what it means to be a power-hitting catcher. By rewriting history in front of thousands of fans, he has cemented his place as one of the game’s most exciting players and delivered a season that will be remembered for generations.