Cal Raleigh has been on a tear this season, and his historic achievement is drawing comparisons to one of the Seattle Mariners’ all-time legends, Ken Griffey Jr. With 35 home runs before the All-Star break, Raleigh has tied Griffey’s franchise record, cementing himself as one of the most exciting players in Mariners history.
This incredible feat not only demonstrates Raleigh’s power but also his consistency, as he continues to exceed expectations in the early stages of his six-year, $105 million contract extension.
Tying a Mariners Legend
Raleigh’s two home runs in a game against Pittsburgh recently helped him tie Griffey’s record for most home runs before the All-Star break. To be mentioned in the same breath as Griffey, a first-ballot Hall of Famer and one of the most iconic players in baseball history, is an honor Raleigh doesn’t take lightly.
“To be mentioned with that name, somebody that’s just iconic, a legend, first ballot Hall of Famer, I’m just blessed,” Raleigh said. “Trying to do the right thing and trying to keep it rolling.”
Griffey’s accomplishments in Seattle are legendary, and Raleigh’s early power surge has made him a figure to watch. Raleigh’s admiration for Griffey isn’t just on the field, either. Whenever Griffey is in town, Raleigh has taken the opportunity to connect with the Mariners great.
“It’s always fun to have him around the clubhouse to just talk to him a little bit and figure out how he went about his business,” Raleigh said, reflecting on the valuable lessons he’s learned from Griffey’s wisdom.
A Remarkable Start to 2025
Raleigh’s 2025 season has been nothing short of remarkable. The 28-year-old has already hit 35 home runs by the time of the All-Star break, and his consistency has been a key factor. Manager Dan Wilson, who played alongside Griffey in 1998, knows just how rare Raleigh’s performance is.
“It feels like he hits a home run every game,” Wilson said. “And I can remember feeling it as a player, that (Griffey) just felt like he hit a home run every day.”
Raleigh’s month-by-month consistency has been impressive. He hit nine home runs in April, 12 in May, and 11 in June. While Griffey’s home run production was also strong during the first half of the 1998 season, Raleigh’s consistency has been key to his success.
His remarkable ability to hit home runs month after month is something that few players in Mariners history have matched.
A Strong Contract Extension and Career Milestones
The Mariners’ faith in Raleigh has already been justified, especially with his career-high home run total and the likelihood that he will set new career bests in batting average, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage. Raleigh’s contract extension, which was signed just before the 2025 season, has already paid off in a big way.
For Raleigh, it’s about more than just the financial reward; it’s about being a leader in the clubhouse and staying focused on the game. “Want to make sure I’m doing everything I can every single day to earn that paycheck and earn what they gave me,” Raleigh said.
“But it’s a lot more than just that. It’s being a leader, doing things in the clubhouse and making sure you’re ready to go every single day.”
Cal Raleigh’s record-tying 35 home runs before the All-Star break have not only elevated him into the upper echelons of Mariners history but have also made him a leader for the future of the franchise.
His consistency, power, and leadership both on and off the field have shown why the Mariners made the right call in locking him down with a long-term contract. As he continues to build on his incredible season, Raleigh’s journey is one to watch, and he could very well become the next Mariners icon alongside legends like Ken Griffey Jr.
