Cal Raleigh has emerged as one of the most compelling stories in Major League Baseball in 2025. The switch-hitting catcher for the Seattle Mariners has drawn attention not only for his prodigious power but also for his defensive skills, durable play, and rising star power. In this article, we will explore four key aspects fans frequently ask:
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Is Cal Raleigh playing today?
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Why is he nicknamed “Big Dumper”?
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What was his draft story / path to MLB?
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What is his 2025 salary, contract, and financial projection?
Let’s dive in.
1. Is Cal Raleigh Playing Today?
Active Status & Recent News
As of the 2025 postseason, Cal Raleigh remains an active player for the Seattle Mariners. He continues to serve as the primary catcher and occasional designated hitter, given his offensive output.
However, whether he is playing today depends on lineup decisions, rest days, or injury considerations. Catchers often receive occasional rest days to manage workload and reduce fatigue. For example, in 2025, there was at least one instance where he was given a rare day off:
“Raleigh is absent from the lineup for Thursday’s game in Baltimore … He’ll get a rare breather … Mitch Garver getting a turn at catcher in Raleigh’s stead.”
So while there is no public report of injury or long-term absence as of late 2025, it is possible that on a given day he might not be in the starting lineup.
If you want a real-time answer for today, you’d need to check that day’s Mariners official lineup, which is typically published a few hours before first pitch on MLB.com or the team’s Twitter/website.
Workload & Durability
Cal Raleigh has shown remarkable durability. In the 2025 regular season, he played 159 games (mixing time between catcher and DH) and posted these final regular-season stats: .247 batting average, 60 home runs, 125 RBIs, .948 OPS. His ability to absorb that many games is a strong signal that he is trusted to handle daily or near-daily play, which makes it more likely that on a typical day he could be in the lineup.
Still, managerial strategy, rest, or matchups could lead to a scratch here or there. As of my latest records, there is no indication he is injured or inactive long-term.
Bottom line: Unless there’s a lineup announcement excluding him, odds are strong that he would be in today’s lineup.
2. The Nickname “Big Dumper”
Origins & Meaning
One of the more colorful monikers floating around fans and analysts is “Big Dumper.” It may catch attention (or raise eyebrows), but the nickname is real and embraced with a sense of humor.
The nickname refers to his notably large posterior, and it was reportedly coined by a teammate (Jarred Kelenic) as a playful tease. According to the Wikipedia entry:
“Raleigh’s Big Dumper nickname, referring to his large butt, was popularized by former teammate Jarred Kelenic …”
It is part of baseball lore now, one of those nicknames that fan communities and media enjoy using. It also helps that he backs it up with elite performance — so the nickname becomes less about physique and more about a personality / branding hook.
Interestingly, his nickname is frequently used in media coverage now. For instance, a Sporting News article discussed “Why Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh is called the Big Dumper.”
How It Impacts His Brand
While nicknames tied to physical traits can be sensitive, Raleigh seems comfortable enough with it that it doesn’t appear to be a liability. In fact:
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It draws attention and helps branding (fans love quirky, memorable nicknames).
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It humanizes him — giving a fun, approachable angle beyond pure baseball stats.
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It differentiates him in media coverage; many headlines now incorporate “Big Dumper” for flair.
So, while the name arises from physical observation, its staying power comes from the persona and performance that underpin it.
3. Draft Pick & Path to MLB
Amateur & Collegiate Background
Caleb John Raleigh was born November 26, 1996, in Cullowhee, North Carolina. He is a switch hitter and throws right.
He played college baseball at Florida before entering the professional ranks.
2018 MLB Draft & Early Career
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Raleigh was selected by the Seattle Mariners in the third round of the 2018 MLB Draft, with overall pick number 90.
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From there, he worked his way through the Mariners’ minor league system, refining his defensive skills, catcher fundamentals, plate approach, and power.
He made his Major League debut on July 11, 2021, for the Seattle Mariners.
Growth & Breakthrough
Over the next seasons, Raleigh steadily grew in impact:
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He improved his framing, game-calling, and blocking — essential tools for a catcher.
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Offensively, he began showing consistent power potential.
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By 2024, he had earned both a Gold Glove and the American League Platinum Glove (awarded to best defensive player in the league).
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In 2025, he exploded offensively, becoming both a leader and record-breaker (more below).
Raleigh is an example of a mid-round pick (3rd round) who solidified himself as a foundational player via development, patience, and consistent improvement.
4. Salary in 2025 & Contract Details
The Contract Extension
In March 2025, the Mariners and Raleigh agreed on a six-year, $105 million extension, with a vesting player option for 2031 (with $2 million buyout).
At that time, Raleigh had been earning an arbitration salary of $5.6 million in 2025. The extension formalized and extended his financial security well into his prime years.
Salary Breakdown & 2025 Earnings
The contract terms (per media reports) break down approximately as follows:
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2025: $1 million base salary + $10 million signing bonus.
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2026: $11 million base salary.
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2027: $12 million.
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2028–2030: $23 million per year (free-agent years).
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2031: $20 million vesting player option (or $2 million buyout).
Thus, though his 2025 base salary is modest, the large signing bonus and future guarantees make the deal lucrative and stable.
2025 Performance & Earning Upside
Raleigh’s 2025 performance gives him upside beyond just his base salary:
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He won the 2025 MLB All-Star Home Run Derby, securing a $1 million grand prize, effectively doubling his base MLB salary for 2025.
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His offensive production (60 home runs, 125 RBIs, elite OPS) likely opens the door to bonus incentives, endorsement deals, and MVP consideration.
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As he climbs in prominence, sponsorships and media opportunities can supplement his baseball income.
In total, while the base salary in 2025 is low, the combination of signing bonus, performance-based incentives, and future years of the contract make it an excellent deal for him.
Comparative and Historical Context
To put Raleigh’s compensation in perspective:
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A catcher providing both elite offense and defense is rare, and such players command premium deals.
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His contract locks him in before hitting free agency, likely protecting the Mariners from bidding wars or high arbitration escalations.
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For 2025 financial reporting databases (like Spotrac), Raleigh’s salary is listed in the context of the full contract (e.g. $105 million over six years) rather than just his 2025 base.
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Some online sources mention his contract includes a $10 million signing bonus and an average annual salary of $17.5 million (across all years), though those figures may be derived or aggregated rather than strictly the base salary.
5. 2025 Season Highlights & Records
Because any article about Cal Raleigh in 2025 would be incomplete without discussing his remarkable season, here is a summary:
Power Surge & Home Run Milestones
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Raleigh hit 60 home runs in 2025, leading MLB and setting a new single-season home run record for a catcher. He was the first catcher ever to reach that mark.
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He also became the single-season home run leader among switch hitters, surpassing Mickey Mantle’s long-standing total.
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With 125 RBIs, he led the American League in that category as well.
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He had 11 multi-home-run games in 2025 — putting him in rarefied company with the likes of Sammy Sosa, Hank Greenberg, and Aaron Judge.
Defensive Prowess
While offense has dominated much of the narrative, Raleigh’s defense remains a vital part of his profile:
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He won a Gold Glove and Platinum Glove in 2024 — the latter is awarded to the top fielder in all positions.
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As a catcher, he continues to work on pitch framing, game-calling, blocking, and throwing out runners — all essential tools that complement his offensive upside.
Durability & Role Flexibility
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Raleigh played in 159 games total in 2025, combining time as catcher and DH.
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His ability to also serve as designated hitter gives the Mariners flexibility to rest him defensively while retaining his bat in the lineup.
Postseason & MVP Buzz
With such a dominant season, Raleigh is a strong MVP candidate. Media and analysts have debated his case versus other top-performing players. In the playoffs, he has continued to contribute, hitting home runs and RBI in ALDS games.
6. Summary & Outlook
Is Cal Raleigh playing today? Very likely, unless managerial rest or matchup shenanigans intervene. He is healthy and active as of the 2025 postseason, though occasional rest days are plausible.
“Big Dumper” is his playful nickname — referencing his large posterior, popularized by teammates — and has become an accepted, even endearing, moniker in media and among fans.
His draft and development story is one of steady growth: drafted in 2018 in the third round, he rose through the Mariners’ system to make his MLB debut in 2021 and steadily improve.
His 2025 salary is wrapped into a six-year, $105 million extension. Though his base 2025 pay is modest ($1 million), inclusive of a $10 million signing bonus and future high-value years, the deal is highly favorable. Additional earnings from the Home Run Derby, performance incentives, and endorsements amplify his earnings.
Finally, his 2025 performance has been historic: 60 home runs (catcher & switch-hitter records), 125 RBIs, elite OPS, and defensive awards. He is not just a one-season wonder — he’s shaping up as a generational talent at the catcher position.
