Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh continued his MVP-worthy season on Sunday afternoon by clubbing his 49th home run of the season. It not only helped him maintain his Major League lead, but it also broke an MLB record for most home runs in a season by a primary catcher.
He breaks the mark previously set by Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Perez during the 2021 season.
Here is a look at Raleigh’s record-breaking home run.
Along with setting the single-season home runs by a catcher, he is also within striking distance of Mickey Mantle’s single-season record for most home runs by a switch-hitter.
Mantle hit 54 home runs during the 1961 season, and Raleigh is now closing in on that as well.
When you combine Raleigh’s power and historic pace, along with the fact that he is an outstanding defensive player at one of the most important positions on the field, it is getting harder and harder to keep him out of the top spot for the American League MVP.
New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge has been right there with him for most of the season, but his recent injury, combined with the Yankees’ slide in the standings, might be taking away some of his MVP momentum. Especially when you take into account positional value and defensive performance, where Raleigh has a sizable advantage this season.