Seattle Mariners' star catcher, Cal Raleigh, has once again been recognized for his outstanding 2025 season. This time, he's been named Sports Illustrated's Breakout Star of the Year, an award that celebrates athletes who 'unexpectedly dominated the sports conversation, making the leap from skilled performer to household name'.
Raleigh's 2025 season was nothing short of extraordinary. He became just the seventh player in MLB history to hit 60 home runs, a feat that earned him the nickname 'Big Dumper'. His 60 homers were the most in a single season by a primary catcher and a switch-hitter, and it was also a Mariners franchise record, just two shy of tying the American League record.
But Raleigh's achievements didn't stop there. He led the AL with 125 RBIs and produced career highs in all three of the triple-slash categories with a .241 batting average, .359 on-base percentage, and .589 slugging percentage. He was named the AL Silver Slugger at catcher and finished second in AL MVP voting.
Raleigh's magical season continued during All-Star week in Atlanta, where he won the Home Run Derby, joining Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. as the only Mariners to do so. He was also named MLBPA Players Choice Awards' Player of the Year and Sporting News' MLB Player of the Year.
The 29-year-old catcher's efforts helped the Mariners win the AL West title and reach the AL Championship Series, the first time the franchise had done either since 2001. But here's where it gets controversial... Some fans and analysts are questioning whether the Mariners should trade away one of their star players, such as Brendan Donovan, to bolster their roster. What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
