Can Cal Raleigh Repeat His Historic 60-Home Run Season? The Seattle Mariners’ Star Catcher Tackles the Question Head-On.
The 2026 season is shaping up to be a monumental one for the Seattle Mariners, but the spotlight burns brightest on their All-Star catcher, Cal Raleigh. After shattering the single-season home run record for catchers with an astonishing 60 homers last year—a full dozen more than any catcher had ever achieved—expectations are sky-high. But here’s where it gets controversial: Can Raleigh, affectionately known as ‘Big Dumper,’ come close to replicating that historic feat? And this is the part most people miss: He’s not even trying to.
In a recent sit-down with Seattle Sports’ Brock and Salk during Mariners spring training, Raleigh addressed the elephant in the room: the pressure to match his 60-home run performance. ‘That’s not something I’m setting out to do,’ he admitted candidly. Instead, Raleigh is focused on consistency, refining his game, and mastering the nuances that make a difference. ‘I’ve been working on some things, trying to get better at the bottom of the zone,’ he explained. ‘It’s about the little things—keeping my body ready, helping the team every day.’
But let’s not forget the bigger picture. Pitchers are likely to adjust their approach to Raleigh after his record-breaking season, as evidenced by the 20 intentional walks he received last year. ‘Are pitchers going to pitch me different? Probably,’ he acknowledged. ‘But that’s out of my control.’ What Raleigh can control is his defense, which is already elite—he was the 2024 Platinum Glove winner, after all. With the new Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) Challenge System in play, he’ll have an additional tool to challenge calls, adding a fascinating layer to his game behind the plate.
Controversial Take Alert: While Raleigh’s focus on consistency and defense is commendable, could his decision to not chase another 60-homer season be a missed opportunity for both him and the Mariners? Or is he making the smarter play by prioritizing longevity and team success over individual milestones?
As Raleigh continues to work on managing his pitchers and improving his game, one thing is clear: his impact extends far beyond home runs. Whether it’s through mound visits, defensive prowess, or simply being a steady presence, Raleigh is determined to help the Mariners win. But the question remains: Can he—or should he—aim for another historic season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
For the full conversation with Cal Raleigh, check out the Brock and Salk podcast here. And don’t forget to tune in to Brock and Salk, airing weekdays from 6-10 a.m. on Seattle Sports 710 AM and the Seattle Sports app, live from Mariners spring training all week.
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- Early Highlights from Mariners Camp
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