What's Happening?
Cal Raleigh, a prominent player for the Seattle Mariners, has made history by hitting his 55th and 56th home runs of the 2025 season during a game against the Kansas City Royals. This achievement ties him with Ken Griffey Jr.'s franchise record for the most home runs in a single season. Griffey, a Hall of Famer, set this record with 56 home runs in both 1997 and 1998. Additionally, Raleigh surpassed Mickey Mantle's record for the most home runs in a single season by a switch hitter, a record Mantle set with 54 home runs in 1961. Raleigh's performance is notable as he hit home runs from both sides of the plate during the game, further cementing his place in baseball history.
Why It's Important?
Raleigh's achievement is significant not only for its historical context but also for its impact on the current baseball season. By tying Griffey's record and surpassing Mantle's, Raleigh has positioned himself as a key player in the American League MVP race. His performance is crucial for the Mariners, who are in a tight playoff race, holding a narrow lead over the Houston Astros in the American League West. Raleigh's home run prowess could be a decisive factor in the Mariners' playoff aspirations. Furthermore, his competition with Aaron Judge for the MVP title adds an exciting dynamic to the season, as both players are leading their teams in critical statistical categories.
What's Next?
With 11 games remaining in the season, Raleigh has the opportunity to further etch his name in the record books by potentially tying or surpassing Aaron Judge's American League record of 62 home runs in a season, set in 2022. This pursuit not only adds to the excitement of the MVP race but also has implications for the Mariners' playoff positioning. As the season progresses, Raleigh's performance will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, as it could influence both individual accolades and team success.
