Most Home Runs in a Season Latest 2025: Can Cal Raleigh Challenge the Record?

The single-season home run record stands as one of baseball’s most sacred and controversial milestones. As we look ahead to the 2025 MLB season, a new question emerges: could a catcher realistically make a run at it? Seattle Mariners’ backstop Cal Raleigh has firmly entered this conversation after launching more home runs than any other catcher in the past two seasons.

His raw power is undeniable. But does Cal Raleigh have the consistency and durability to challenge legends like Barry Bonds, Aaron Judge, and Sammy Sosa? This article dives deep into the possibility of a historic power explosion from “Big Dumper” in 2025. We’ll analyze his swing, his 2024 breakout, and what it truly takes to hit 60-plus homers in the modern game.

The Record: A Look at Baseball’s Most Hallowed Power Feat

Before we assess Cal Raleigh’s chances, we must understand the mountain he would need to climb. The single-season home run record is a tale of three distinct eras.

Barry Bonds holds the official Major League record with an astonishing 73 home runs for the San Francisco Giants in 2001. This mark has stood for over two decades. However, New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge made the closest recent attempt, belting 62 homers in his legendary 2022 AL MVP season.

The record is notoriously difficult to approach. In fact, only five players in MLB history have ever hit 61 or more home runs in a single season:

• Barry Bonds (73, 2001)
• Mark McGwire (70, 1998; 65, 1999)
• Sammy Sosa (66, 1998; 64, 2001; 63, 1999)
• Aaron Judge (62, 2022)
• Roger Maris (61, 1961)

The Physical Toll of a Long Season

Chasing this record requires more than just power. It demands incredible consistency and durability over a grueling 162-game schedule. This is the biggest challenge for any player, especially a catcher.

Cal Raleigh’s Ascent: From Prospect to Premier Power Hitter

Cal Raleigh was not an overnight sensation. The switch-hitting catcher worked his way through the Mariners’ system, known for his defense and leadership. However, his bat has now become his most valuable asset.

The 2024 season was a definitive breakout. Cal Raleigh shattered the Mariners’ franchise record for home runs by a catcher, a feat he had already set in 2023. He finished the year with 39 home runs in 2024, firmly establishing himself as the most powerful catcher in baseball.

His success stems from a combination of factors:

• Elite Barrel Rate: He consistently makes solid, powerful contact.
• Patience at the Plate: He has improved his walk rate, waiting for pitches he can drive.
• Switch-Hitting Power: He poses a threat from both sides of the plate, making it harder for managers to deploy matchup relievers.

The 2024 Breakdown

Let’s examine the key statistics from Cal Raleigh’s powerful 2024 campaign, which laid the foundation for 2025 hype.

Can a Catcher Realistically Hit 60 Home Runs?

This is the multi-million dollar question. The physical demands of catching are immense. Squatting for nine innings, dealing with foul tips, and managing a pitching staff drains energy that could be used for hitting.

Historically, the home run record has been the domain of outfielders and first basemen—less demanding defensive positions. However, the modern game is changing. Teams now give their star catchers more rest, often using a designated hitter (DH) spot to keep their bats in the lineup.

For Cal Raleigh to have a shot, the Mariners would need a strategic plan. This likely involves:

• Increased DH Days: Getting him off his feet 30-40 times a season while keeping his bat active.
• Optimal Rest: Carefully managing his workload before and after night games.
• Peak Conditioning: Maintaining elite strength and stamina throughout the summer.

The X-Factors: What Needs to Go Right in 2025

A run at the record requires a perfect storm. For Cal Raleigh, several factors must align in 2025.

1. Health Above All: This is non-negotiable. He must avoid the injured list, especially the hand and wrist injuries that can sap a power hitter’s strength.

2. Lineup Protection: The Mariners’ offense needs to be potent. If Julio Rodríguez and other hitters are producing, pitchers cannot afford to simply work around Cal Raleigh. He needs to see hittable pitches.

3. Launch Angle Optimization: His swing is already geared for fly balls. A slight, consistent improvement in pulling the ball in the air could turn long outs into homers.

4. Luck: Even the best hitters need some good fortune. A handful of warning-track shots need to carry another 10 feet, and close calls on balls and strikes need to go his way.

Comparing Cal Raleigh to Other 2025 Contenders

Cal Raleigh is not the only slugger with the tools to challenge for the home run crown. The 2025 season will feature a loaded field of power hitters.

Aaron Judge will always be a threat to hit 50-plus when healthy. Similarly, young stars like the Braves’ Matt Olson and the Phillies’ Kyle Schwarber have proven 50-homer power. However, Cal Raleigh’s unique value is his position. A 50-home run season from a catcher would be arguably more impressive than a 60-home run season from an outfielder, given the physical disparity.

Conclusion: A Daunting but Fascinating Possibility

In conclusion, the idea of Cal Raleigh hitting 73—or even 60—home runs in 2025 remains a long shot. The record is one of the most difficult achievements in all of sports. However, it is no longer a fantasy.

After his 39-homer season in 2024, the next logical step is a run at 45-50 home runs. If he reaches that plateau and maintains his health, the baseball world will start to truly believe. His unique power profile as a switch-hitting catcher makes him a must-watch player every time he steps to the plate.

The 2025 season will be the ultimate test of his endurance and skill. One thing is certain: Cal Raleigh has the raw power to make it interesting.

Will you be watching? Follow Cal Raleigh’s quest for the 2025 home run crown all season long on MLB.TV or your local sports network.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How many home runs did Cal Raleigh hit in 2024?

Cal Raleigh hit 39 home runs during the 2024 MLB season, leading all catchers in baseball by a significant margin.

2. What is the single-season MLB home run record?

The official MLB single-season home run record is 73, set by Barry Bonds of the San Francisco Giants in 2001. The American League record is 62, set by Aaron Judge in 2022.

3. Has a catcher ever led the league in home runs?

Yes, but it is rare. The last catcher to lead his league in home runs was the Atlanta Braves’ Javy López, who tied for the National League lead with 43 homers in 2003.

4. What is Cal Raleigh’s nickname?

Cal Raleigh’s popular nickname is “Big Dumper,” a moniker given to him by former teammate Tom Murphy in reference to his physique and has since been embraced by fans.

5. What would Cal Raleigh need to do to hit 50 home runs in a season?

To reach 50 home runs, Cal Raleigh would need to maintain his health, slightly increase his home run frequency, and potentially get more at-bats as a designated hitter to reduce the physical fatigue of catching.

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