Tracking Cal Raleigh’s Quest for 60 Home Runs: Can the Power Hitter Reach the Milestone?

September 22, 2025

Mariners‘ Raleigh Carving Out Historic Home Run Season

Seattle, WA – Cal Raleigh, the catcher for the seattle Mariners, continues to astound baseball enthusiasts with a remarkable 2025 season, consistently adding to his home run total. He extended his incredible streak this weekend, launching homers on both Saturday and Sunday and surpassing notable names in the Major league Baseball record books while doing so.

Raleigh’s Ascent to Baseball Greatness

Raleigh has already eclipsed existing records for home runs hit by a catcher and a switch-hitter,simultaneously establishing a new franchise benchmark for the Mariners. His triumphant performance in the 2025 home Run Derby earlier this year further solidified his status as a premier power hitter. His current trajectory sparks the question: What new records might he establish, and what will his final home run tally be this season?

Statistical Snapshot: Raleigh’s Extraordinary Numbers

Currently, Raleigh boasts 58 home runs, putting him on track to potentially reach 60 before the season concludes with seven games remaining.The American League record for home runs in a season stands at 62, achieved by Aaron Judge in 2022. Only nine players in MLB history have ever reached the 60-home run plateau.

Player	Home Runs	Year
Barry Bonds	73	2001
Mark McGwire	70	1998
Sammy Sosa	66	1998
Aaron Judge	62	2022
Cal Raleigh (Current)	58	2025

Surpassing Legends

Raleigh’s recent home runs allowed him to move ahead of baseball icons Luis Gonzalez and Alex Rodriguez in the all-time single-season rankings. Prior to Sunday’s game, he had already bested Ken Griffey Jr.’s Mariners franchise record of 56 home runs, a mark griffey achieved twice in the 1997 and 1998 seasons.

Notably,Raleigh now stands alongside Griffey as the only Mariners players to attain 50 or more home runs in a single season. He also represents the first Seattle player to hit 40 or more home runs since Nelson Cruz in 2016.

The Path Forward: Records Within Reach

With his latest achievements, the attention shifts to whether Raleigh can reach the coveted 60-home run mark. Reaching 59 home runs would place him ahead of Jimmie Foxx and Hank Greenberg on the all-time single-season list, further cementing his place in baseball lore.

raleigh’s Season Highlights

Record-Breaking Switch-Hitter: Raleigh surpassed Mickey Mantle’s long-standing record of 54 home runs by a switch-hitter, set in 1961.

Exceptional Monthly Performance: In May, Raleigh showcased an outstanding performance, batting .304 with 12 home runs and 26 RBIs. This performance places him among the elite catchers in terms of monthly production.

Reaching 100/100 milestone: Raleigh has driven in 121 runs and has scored 107, becoming only the ninth primary catcher to reach 100 runs and 100 RBIs in the same season.

Matching Griffey’s Franchise Record: Tying Ken Griffey Jr.’s franchise record of 56 home runs is a testament to Raleigh’s power and impact on the team.

Total Bases Leader: With 337 total bases, Raleigh’s season is ranking among the best for a catcher in recent memory.

Understanding the Rise of Power Hitters

The surge in home run numbers across MLB in recent years can be attributed to several factors. Changes in player training, a growing emphasis on launch angle and exit velocity, and adjustments to baseballs themselves all play a role. MLB.com provides a detailed analysis of this trend.

Did You Know? The “launch angle revolution” in baseball began gaining prominence in the early 2010s, focusing on hitting the ball with an upward trajectory to maximize distance.

Frequently Asked Questions About cal Raleigh’s Season

• What record is Cal Raleigh currently chasing? Raleigh is pursuing the American League record for most home runs in a season (62), held by Aaron Judge.
• How dose Raleigh’s season compare to other Mariners greats? Raleigh has already surpassed Ken Griffey Jr.’s franchise record for home runs in a season.
• Is Raleigh a switch-hitter,and what does that mean? Yes,Raleigh is a switch-hitter,meaning he can bat both left-handed and right-handed,and he now holds the record for most home runs by a switch hitter.
• What is Raleigh’s current RBI total? Raleigh currently leads the American League with 121 RBIs.
• What makes Raleigh’s home run total even more impressive? He’s achieved these numbers while playing catcher, a traditionally less power-hitting position.

What do you think – will Cal Raleigh break the American League home run record? share your thoughts in the comments below!

What is Cal Raleigh’s current home run pace, and how many home runs does he need to average per game to reach 60 for the season?

Cal Raleigh’s Current Home Run Pace

As of September 22, 2025, Cal Raleigh boasts an impressive home run total of 48, placing him firmly in contention for a historic 60-homer season. This puts him on track, but the final stretch will be crucial.To reach 60, Raleigh needs to average roughly one home run every 2.67 games over the remaining schedule.This is a demanding rate, especially as opposing pitchers adjust and fatigue sets in late in the season.Tracking his home run stats daily is essential for fans following this pursuit.

Historical Context: The 60-Home Run Club

Hitting 60 home runs in a single season is a feat achieved by only a handful of players in MLB history.

* Babe Ruth (1927): 60 Home Runs

* roger Maris (1961): 61 Home Runs

* Mark McGwire (1998): 70 home Runs

* Sammy Sosa (1998): 66 Home runs

* Sammy Sosa (1999): 63 Home Runs

* Barry Bonds (2001): 73 Home Runs

Raleigh’s current trajectory places him in rare company, sparking conversations about whether he can join this exclusive club. The MLB home run record remains a significant benchmark.

Analyzing Raleigh’s Power Profile

Several factors contribute to Raleigh’s power hitting ability:

* Launch Angle: Raleigh consistently demonstrates an optimal launch angle, maximizing carry and distance.

* exit Velocity: His average exit velocity is among the league leaders, indicating hard contact.

* Plate Discipline: Improved plate discipline has led to more pitches in the strike zone that he can drive.

* Strength & Conditioning: A dedicated off-season strength and conditioning program has visibly enhanced his power.

Understanding these elements is key to predicting his continued success. Cal Raleigh power hitting analysis reveals a hitter in peak form.

Remaining Schedule & Opposing Pitching

The difficulty of Raleigh’s remaining schedule plays a significant role. Facing teams with strong pitching staffs, particularly those known for limiting home runs, will present a challenge.

* Divisional Opponents: Games against AL west rivals will be particularly competitive.

* Pitching Matchups: Identifying favorable pitching matchups – pitchers who struggle with power hitters – will be crucial for maximizing opportunities.

* Ballpark Factors: Playing in hitter-pleasant ballparks will provide an advantage.

Analyzing the MLB schedule and pitching statistics will provide valuable insights.

Impact of Defensive Shifts & Rule Changes

The implementation of MLB’s rule changes regarding defensive shifts has undeniably benefited power hitters like Raleigh. The restrictions on extreme shifts create more opportunities for base hits and, crucially, home runs.This is a significant factor in the surge in offensive numbers across the league and directly impacts Raleigh’s chances. MLB rule changes impact on home runs is a hot topic among baseball analysts.

Key Stats to Watch

Beyond total home runs, several key stats will indicate Raleigh’s progress:

* Hard Hit Percentage: Measures the frequency of hard-hit balls.

* Barrel Percentage: Indicates the quality of contact.

* Walk rate: Reflects plate discipline and pitch selection.

* Strikeout Rate: A potential indicator of aggressive swings.

monitoring these baseball statistics provides a more nuanced understanding of Raleigh’s performance.

Comparing Raleigh to Recent Power Surge Players

Recent seasons have seen several players flirt with 50+ home run seasons. Examining their trajectories can offer insights:

* Aaron Judge (2022): 62 Home Runs – Judge benefited from a relatively healthy season and a favorable schedule.

* Kyle Schwarber (2023): 47 Home Runs – schwarber demonstrated consistent power but lacked the sustained pace