Cal Raleigh: Did hit a homerun today| Mickey Mantle| Contract

Introduction

Caleb “Cal” Raleigh, the Seattle Mariners’ switch-hitting catcher/DH, has been having a season for the books in 2025. He’s broken multiple records, set new milestones, and become one of the most-discussed players in Major League Baseball (MLB). This article answers three key questions:

1. Did Cal Raleigh hit a home run today?

2. How does his performance compare to the legendary Mickey Mantle?

3. What are the details of Cal Raleigh’s current contract?

1. Did Cal Raleigh Hit a Home Run Today?

Yes — he did. On September 14, 2025, Cal Raleigh hit his 54th home run of the season in the first inning off pitcher Kyle Hendricks of the Los Angeles Angels. Batting left-handed, he drilled a sinker 409 feet into the Seattle bullpen in left-center field.

This blast had multiple implications:

• It tied Raleigh with Mickey Mantle’s single-season record for a switch-hitter, set in 1961.

• It helped Seattle to an 11-2 victory over the Angels.

• It pushed the Mariners to sole possession of first place in the American League West.

So, yes — Cal Raleigh did hit a home run today, and a very meaningful one at that.

2. Cal Raleigh vs. Mickey Mantle: How They Compare

When you bring up Mickey Mantle, you’re speaking of one of the all-time greats. But Cal Raleigh in 2025 has placed himself in the same historic conversation, especially in terms of power.

Key Comparisons

What Makes the Comparison Special

• Era and pitching: Mantle played in 1961 under very different conditions: pitching styles, ballparks, training, strength programs, equipment etc. Raleigh’s accomplishment comes in a modern era with many more pitchers, different usage of home/road parks, more relievers, etc.

• Switch-hitter power: Very few switch-hitters in history have approached or exceeded 50 home runs in a season. Raleigh has become only the second switch-hitter to do so, joining Mantle.

• Catching duties: Raleigh is also doing this while playing a demanding defensive position. Catchers typically face more physical and fatigue burdens. So setting the home run record as a catcher adds extra weight.

Other Notable Comparisons or Records

• He broke the previous single-season catcher home run record held by Salvador Perez (48 home runs in 2021).

• Raleigh hit at least 20 home runs from each side of the plate this season, which is rare and shows his power from both switch-hitting sides.

3. Cal Raleigh’s Contract: What It Is & What It Means

Cal Raleigh is not just producing on the field — he’s secured a contract that reflects his performance and expected future value.

Terms of the Contract

• In late March 2025, Raleigh and the Mariners agreed to a six-year extension worth $105 million.

• The extension begins with the 2025 season.

• The deal buys out three years of free agency and also the two years Raleigh would have had arbitration eligibility.

• There is a vesting player option for 2031, plus a buyout clause (roughly $2 million) if the option is not exercised.

• The contract includes a no-trade clause.

• There are incentives built in that could increase its total value above the base $105 million. Some reports suggest the contract could escalate to about $123 million with incentives.

Performance & Contract Value

Given what he’s doing this season, the extension looks more and more like a bargain for the Mariners. Let’s break down some stats that help illustrate why.

• 2025 Season Splits & Metrics

  • Batting average: ~ .244

  • Home runs: leading the MLB with 54 (as of mid-September)

  • RBI: ~ 115

  • OPS: around .936 — very strong, particularly for a catcher. ESPN.com

  • Other advanced metrics: Hard-hit%, barrel %, expected weighted on-base wOBA, etc., all point to elite power output.

• Contract vs. Market

  • For a catcher who is both a defensive asset and an offensive powerhouse, $105 million over six years (potentially more) is substantial but reasonable.

  • The no-trade clause and vesting option add security for Raleigh, which aligns with superstar contracts.

  • For the Mariners, locking him in long-term helps maintain consistency at a premium position.

What’s Next & Implications

Can Raleigh Break Mantle’s Record?

With 54 home runs and several games still left in the regular season, Raleigh has a chance to break Mantle’s single-season switch-hitter record. He’s not only tied it, but remains in a position to push past.

Also, he’s close to the Mariners’ franchise record for most home runs in a season (held by Ken Griffey Jr., 56 HR in 1997 and 1998). Just a couple of home runs separate them.

Team Contention

Raleigh’s historic power surge contributes not just to individual achievements, but to the Mariners’ contention: they’re leading the AL West (as of his 54-homer game), riding a winning streak, and are pushing into playoff positioning.

Contract Expectations & Legacy

• The contract gives Raleigh security and aligns interests between player and team. If he keeps performing, he’ll justify or exceed the value.

• As a catcher who can hit like that, and also provide solid defense, he might get consideration for MVP votes depending on how the rest of the season develops.

• Comparisons to Mantle and Griffey Jr. will enhance his legacy, especially if he finishes strong.

Conclusion

• Did Cal Raleigh hit a home run today? Yes — his 54th, a milestone that tied him with Mickey Mantle’s single-season record for switch hitters.

• Mickey Mantle comparison: Raleigh is now in very rarefied air. Mantle’s record was from 1961; Raleigh’s matching and exceeding many records as a catcher and switch hitter in modern MLB is extraordinary.

• Contract: A six-year, $105 million deal (with incentives and options) locks Raleigh up through 2030, with option for 2031, complete with a no-trade clause. Given his current performance, it’s likely a smart investment for Seattle.

Cal Raleigh’s season is one of the most impressive in recent MLB history, especially for a catcher. He’s not just hitting home runs—he’s building a legacy. As the season winds down, all eyes will be on whether he surpasses Mantle, how he finishes up statistically, and what further honors may come.