One of the game’s best all-around catchers is staying with the Seattle Mariners. Cal Raleigh is set to sign a lucrative six-year, $105 million extension to continue playing for Seattle, as reported by ESPN’s Jeff Passan.
Raleigh, known for his power hitting, is coming off a strong season where he hit 34 home runs with a batting line of .220/.312/.436. Since becoming the primary catcher for the team in 2022, Raleigh, also known as “Big Dumper,” has been a consistent power hitter, leading all catchers with 76 home runs during that time.
Despite not having high batting averages, Raleigh’s offensive output has been above average, with a career 112 OPS+. His defensive skills, particularly his pitch framing, have also been exceptional, earning him a Gold Glove in 2024 and a Platinum Glove for his overall fielding performance.
Cal Raleigh contract details
According to Passan, Raleigh’s new contract will take effect immediately, with a $10 million signing bonus. His salary for 2025 will be reduced to $1 million. The extension ensures that Raleigh will earn $11 million and $12 million in 2026 and 2027, respectively. The deal also includes a significant salary increase to $23 million per year from 2028 to 2030, along with a $20 million vesting player option for the 2031 season.
Throughout his time in Seattle, Raleigh has become a fan favorite and a key player for the Mariners. His leadership on and off the field, along with his exceptional defensive skills, have solidified his place in the team’s future plans as they aim for a World Series title.