Raleigh Impresses: 33 HR and MVP Chants for the Mariners Slugger

Cal Raleigh Keeps Heating Up, Leads MLB in Home Runs

Cal Raleigh continues to demonstrate his power with the Seattle Mariners, connecting his 33rd home run, which leads the Major League, in the 6-2 victory against the Kansas City Royals this Monday. Raleigh started the seventh inning with a home run against reliever Daniel Lynch IV, which led to “MVP! MVP!” chants from the home crowd. With this hit, he tied Ken Griffey Jr. and Sammy Sosa for third place historically for most home runs before July in MLB. Only Barry Bonds (39 in 2001) and Mark McGwire (37 in 1998) have hit more home runs before the month of July.

Everyone is amazed by what he has achieved this season. He is a great hitter. If you ask me if I was surprised, not really, because I see the work he does behind the scenes to have the success he is having now.

Randy Arozarena, Raleigh teammate

Raleigh, who also connected a sacrifice fly in the fifth inning, already has 71 RBIs, leading MLB in that department. He became the Mariners player to reach that figure the fastest since Bret Boone in 2003. The switch-hitter leads the American League in slugging percentage from both sides of the plate (.763 from the right and .600 from the left) this season. Raleigh’s home run gave him the third-most home runs before August by any switch-hitter in MLB history.

It has to feel good for him, and especially after not getting many pitches in Texas, but to be able to hit a little bit here tonight and take advantage of it.

Dan Wilson, Mariners manager

Raleigh’s 30 home runs as a starting catcher this season tie him with Todd Hundley (1996) for the most before August in MLB history. Arozarena hit his 100th career home run with a solo shot in the fourth inning to give Seattle their first run. In the fifth, he broke the game open with a three-run homer, his tenth of the season. It was the first multi-homer game for Arozarena since July 20, 2024. George Kirby (2-4) allowed one run and three hits in six innings, striking out five without walks. Royals starter Michael Wacha (4-8) allowed five runs and eight hits in five innings. Bobby Witt Jr. drove in two runs for the Royals.