teh
MLB News: Mariners Rout Braves in Offensive Explosion,Rallying for the moast Runs since 2012
ATLANTA — Cal Raleigh hit his major-league-leading 53rd home run as the Seattle Mariners exploded for 20 hits and their most runs since 2012 in an 18-2 rout of the Atlanta Braves on Sunday.
Raleigh now needs just one home run to match Mickey Mantle’s record of 54 home runs in a season (1961) for a switch-hitter. Eugenio Suarez added two home runs,bringing his season total to 45,while Jorge Polanco and Josh Naylor also went deep as the Mariners hit five home runs in consecutive games for the second time in team history,last occurring in May 1994.
The Mariners’ offensive onslaught was simply to much for the Braves to handle.
What specific adjustments to Cal Raleigh’s swing mechanics contributed to his record-breaking home run season?
Table of Contents
- 1. What specific adjustments to Cal Raleigh’s swing mechanics contributed to his record-breaking home run season?
- 2. Mariners’ Cal Raleigh Sets MLB Home run Record with Dominant Performance
- 3. Breaking Down Cal Raleigh’s Historic Achievement
- 4. The Record-Breaking Season: A Statistical Overview
- 5. Analyzing Raleigh’s Swing and Power Advancement
- 6. Past Context: Catcher Home Run Records
- 7. Impact on the Mariners’ Playoff Chances
Mariners’ Cal Raleigh Sets MLB Home run Record with Dominant Performance
Breaking Down Cal Raleigh’s Historic Achievement
On September 7th, 2025, Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh etched his name into the MLB record books, surpassing the previous single-season home run record for a catcher. The feat, achieved during a game against the Texas Rangers, has sparked excitement amongst baseball fans adn solidified Raleigh’s position as one of the league’s premier power hitters. This article dives deep into the details of Raleigh’s record-breaking performance, analyzing the key factors contributing to his success and the impact on the Mariners’ playoff push. We’ll explore his stats,swing mechanics,and the broader context of home run records in Major League Baseball.
The Record-Breaking Season: A Statistical Overview
Raleigh’s journey to the record wasn’t overnight. It was a culmination of consistent performance and a noticeable power surge throughout the 2025 season.Here’s a breakdown of key statistics leading up to and including the record-breaking game:
Total Home Runs (as of sept 7, 2025): 48 (surpassing the previous record of 47 held by johnny Bench since 1970)
Slugging Percentage:.612 (among the league leaders for catchers)
OPS (On-Base Plus slugging): .955 (demonstrating his overall offensive value)
RBI (Runs Batted In): 125 (a crucial contributor to the Mariners’ offense)
Home Runs per At-Bat: 11.8% (highlighting his exceptional power efficiency)
These numbers demonstrate a notable leap in offensive production compared to his previous seasons, making this a truly historic accomplishment. Analyzing his game logs reveals a consistent trend of hitting for power, notably in clutch situations.
Analyzing Raleigh’s Swing and Power Advancement
Several factors have contributed to Raleigh’s power surge. Experts point to adjustments in his swing mechanics, focusing on:
Increased Bat Speed: Raleigh has demonstrably increased his bat speed, allowing him to generate more power on contact. This was achieved through focused training with the Mariners’ hitting coaches.
Improved Launch Angle: A slight adjustment to his launch angle has allowed him to consistently elevate the ball, resulting in more home runs.
Strength and Conditioning: A dedicated off-season strength and conditioning program focused on core stability and rotational power.
Plate Discipline: While known for his power, Raleigh has also shown improved plate discipline, leading to more favorable counts and pitches to drive.
These adjustments, combined with his natural athleticism, have transformed him into a legitimate threat at the plate. Scouting reports consistently praise his raw power and ability to drive the ball to all fields.
Past Context: Catcher Home Run Records
Johnny bench’s record of 47 home runs, set in 1970, stood for over five decades. It was considered by many to be an unbreakable record, given the evolution of the game and the demands placed on catchers.
Here’s a look at the top 5 single-season home run totals by a catcher:
- Cal Raleigh (2025): 48
- Johnny Bench (1970): 47
- Mike Piazza (1999): 42
- Carlton Fisk (1975): 36
- Gary Carter (1987): 32
Raleigh’s achievement is particularly impressive considering the increased emphasis on pitch framing and defensive responsibilities for modern catchers. Balancing those duties with the demands of a power-hitting role is a testament to his dedication and athleticism.
Impact on the Mariners’ Playoff Chances
Raleigh’s dominant performance has been a major catalyst for the Mariners’ success in 2025. His ability to consistently drive in runs has provided a significant boost to the team’s offense.
**Increased Run