BREAKING NEWS: Cal Raleigh Launches MLB-Leading 28th and 29th Homers, Shattering Franchise Catcher Record…

 Cal Raleigh added another historic chapter to his breakout season on Friday night, blasting his 28th and 29th home runs of the year in a 9–4 win over the Chicago Cubs  setting a new Seattle Mariners franchise record for most home runs by a catcher before the All-Star break.

Raleigh’s two-homer performance not only vaulted him into the MLB lead for home runs but also etched his name into the record books alongside legends like Johnny Bench and Mickey Mantle. With his 29th blast, Raleigh surpassed Bench’s iconic 1969 mark of 28 homers in 87 games doing it in just 73 games, a staggering feat for a backstop.

“I grew up watching guys like Bench and Posada,” Raleigh said postgame. “To be mentioned in that kind of company is humbling but we’re not done yet.”

🔥 Game-Changer

The 27-year-old switch-hitter opened the scoring in the third inning with a solo shot that tied the game at 2–2, and later delivered the go-ahead two-run homer in the seventh, giving Seattle a 5–4 lead it would not relinquish. Raleigh also singled and walked, reaching base four times and scoring four runs.

Mitch Garver added his own fireworks, homering twice, including a three-run blast in the ninth to pad the lead.

🧢 Franchise Milestone

Raleigh’s 29 home runs are already the most by a Mariners catcher in a single season before July. He now holds the record previously set by Mike Zunino in 2017 (25 HRs), with nearly half a season to go. He’s also becoming a serious contender to break the all-time single-season catcher home run record, currently held by Salvador Perez (48 HR in 2021).

📈 MVP-Level Season

Raleigh’s offensive tear includes a .273 batting average, 63 RBIs, and a stellar .370 on-base percentage. Among catchers and switch-hitters alike, his combination of power, consistency, and durability  having missed just one game this year has elevated him into MVP discussions and potential All-Star starter status.

🧤 The Bigger Picture

Seattle has now won five of their last seven games, staying atop the AL West standings. With Raleigh leading the offense and a deep bullpen closing the door, the Mariners are beginning to look like legitimate postseason contenders.

⚾ Up Next

Raleigh and the Mariners will look to continue their momentum as the series with the Cubs continues this weekend. With every swing, he’s not just driving in runs, he’s rewriting history.