CAL RALEIGH IS THAT GUY. CAL RALEIGH IS THAT GUY.

There’s no denying it anymore—what Cal is doing this season is beyond greatness. He has not only cemented himself as a defensive wizard behind the plate, but he’s also completely leveled up his swing and approach. He just launched his 31st homer against the Cubs and officially became the first switch-hitter in MLB history to hit over 28 home runs before the All-Star break. Let that sink in. The most homers by a catcher since Johnny Bench in 1978.

Raleigh has now hit 30+ bombs for the third straight season and has already recorded 4.1 WAR with half the season left. His career high is 4.7. He’s doing all this with a slash line that’s not just solid—it’s elite: .272/.377/.649/1.025 OPS.That’s nearly 100 points better than league average (OPS+), from a catcher! And yeah, compared to Judge, whose MVP is basically locked in again, Cal’s numbers might not get the same national love—but let’s be real—Raleigh is the most electric slugger in baseball right now.

He’s on pace for 64 home runs and 138 RBIs. The record for homers by a catcher is 48 by Salvador Perez in 2021, and Cal is crushing that pace. All in just 75 games. If it wasn’t for Judge, Raleigh would be walking away with the MVP.

Let’s talk about his progression. He used to be the definition of the “three true outcomes” guy—homer, walk, or strikeout. His career slash (.226/.309/.475/.783) proves that. But this season? He’s flipped the script. He’s refined his swing—especially from the right side. He’s closed and narrowed his stance, made it a perfect mirror of his lefty stance, and now his power from both sides is identical. That’s unheard of for a switch-hitter.

On June 18, Cal had a generational game:

• 6+ RBIs
• A grand slam
• A stolen base
• More hits than the entire opposing team
  No one in MLB history has ever done that. Until Cal.

He’s now the fastest to 30 HR in a season (75 games) since Barry Bonds and Luis Gonzalez in 2001. He joins Ken Griffey Jr. (3x) as the only Mariner to ever hit 30+ HR before the All-Star break.

Everyone thought this team revolved around Julio Rodríguez, but Cal Raleigh just stole the crown. Half of his RBIs are homers—so yeah, if he finishes with 64 bombs, 128 RBIs sounds just right.

Aaron Judge? Sure, he’s cool. But he’s old news. Cal Raleigh is the future, the present, and the moment. He is that guy.