Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh has been recognized once more for his historic 2025 season.
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Raleigh was named Sports Illustrated’s Breakout Star of the Year on Thursday. The award encompasses athletes in all sports and is given to one who “unexpectedly dominated the sports conversation, making the leap from skilled performer to household name,” per a release from the Mariners.
One of the greatest seasons by a catcher of all time. Big Dumper became a SUPERSTAR in 2025. Congrats to Cal Raleigh on being named Breakout Star of the Year ⭐ pic.twitter.com/9vvAS4ih2F
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) December 18, 2025
Raleigh had already established himself as one of baseball’s premier catchers before the 2025 season with his combination of power and defense, but he took his offense to another level while becoming just the seventh player in MLB history to hit 60 home runs.
Raleigh’s 60 homers were the most in a single season by a primary catcher and a switch-hitter. It was also a Mariners franchise record and just two shy of tying the American League record.
On top of the eye-popping home run total, Raleigh 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 was a first-time All-Star in 2025 and added to his magical season during All-Star week in Atlanta by winning the Home Run Derby, joining Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. as the only Mariners to do so.
Additionally, Raleigh was 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.
Last year’s Sports Illustrated Breakout Star of the Year was University of Colorado two-way football standout Travis Hunter. The wide receiver/defensive back won the Heisman Trophy in 2024 and was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
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