Cal Raleigh has signed a six-year, $105 million contract extension with the Seattle Mariners, securing his place with the franchise through the 2030 season. This agreement not only reflects Raleigh's value as a player but also the Mariners' commitment to building a competitive team in Major League Baseball.
The deal, finalized on March 25, 2025, includes a generous $10 million signing bonus and a full no-trade clause, demonstrating the Mariners' dedication to retaining their emerging star. Raleigh's salary structure is noteworthy: he will earn $1 million in 2025, $11 million in 2026, and $12 million in 2027, before ramping up to $23 million per season from 2028 to 2030. A vesting option for 2031 worth $20 million could also kick in, dependent on certain performance milestones.
Raleigh, 28, who was drafted in the third round out of Florida State in 2018, has become a cornerstone player for the Mariners. Last season, he enjoyed a stellar performance, hitting .220/.312/.436 with 34 home runs and 100 RBIs, leading all MLB catchers in home runs. His 2024 statistics also included 70 walks and a personal-best 135 games caught. As a result of his impressive performances, Raleigh was awarded both the Gold Glove and Platinum Glove for his defensive prowess, solidifying his reputation as one of the best catchers in the game.
While Raleigh's batting average may not be at the top of the league, his power numbers make him a significant asset on offense. With a career OPS+ of 112, he remains 12% above the league average, underscoring his importance as a run producer. Plus, his achievements in T-Mobile Park, known for being a pitcher-friendly environment, highlight his raw power and ability to deliver in critical situations.
Having taken over the primary catching duties in 2022, Raleigh has quickly emerged as a leader within the Mariners' clubhouse. His handling of pitching staff and knack for clutch hits have made him a favorite among fans and teammates alike. The organization sees him not just as a player but as a foundational figure in their pursuit of a World Series title, a goal that has eluded the Mariners since their inception.
With this extension, Raleigh joins fellow Mariners players such as Julio Rodríguez, Andrés Muñoz, and Luis Castillo, who have also committed to long-term contracts with the team. This alignment of core players, backed by a strong farm system known for producing talent, positions the Mariners for a bright future in the American League.
Looking ahead, Raleigh's contract allows him financial stability during the prime of his career and exemplifies the Mariners' strategy of securing key players ahead of the possibly lucrative open market. By locking in Raleigh, who would have entered free agency at the age of 31, the Mariners hope to maintain continuity while building a championship-caliber team.
The Mariners are gearing up for their 2025 season, which kicks off with an Opening Day game against the Oakland Athletics at T-Mobile Park on March 27. With Raleigh signed and ready to go, fans can expect to see him continue his role as a reliable force both defensively behind the plate and at the plate, as Seattle pushes to make a return to playoff contention.
