Cal Raleigh Leads Mariners Headlines with Historic Home Run Pace
The Seattle Mariners are in the national spotlight this week, thanks to Cal Raleigh’s record-setting power at the plate. On June 23, 2025, Raleigh smashed his 32nd home run of the season as the Mariners routed the Minnesota Twins 11-2 in Minneapolis. This home run not only extended his lead as the league’s top home run hitter but also set several new records for a catcher before the All-Star break. Raleigh’s performance has made him the clear frontrunner to start at catcher for the American League in the upcoming All-Star Game, scheduled for July 15 at Atlanta’s Truist Park. With over 1.9 million votes, Raleigh trails only Aaron Judge among all AL players in fan voting, highlighting his growing national profile.
All-Star Voting Update: Raleigh Dominates, Crawford Overlooked
The latest MLB All-Star Game voting update brought good news for Raleigh but disappointment for other Mariners. Raleigh’s 1,901,389 votes put him far ahead of his closest competition, Alejandro Kirk of the Toronto Blue Jays. If selected as a starter, Raleigh would be the first Mariners player to start an All-Star Game since Nelson Cruz in 2015. Meanwhile, Julio Rodríguez ranks seventh among AL outfielders with 582,338 votes, making it unlikely he will start. Shortstop J.P. Crawford has been labeled a snub, ranking eighth among AL shortstops despite leading the league in on-base percentage and ranking highly in several advanced stats. Crawford’s strong season, including a .291 batting average and .407 OBP, has not translated into fan support, raising questions about the voting process.
Mariners’ Recent Game Results: Big Wins and Tough Losses
The Mariners’ recent road trip has featured both impressive victories and difficult defeats. On June 23, Seattle opened their series against Minnesota with a dominant 11-2 win. Rodríguez had a standout game, hitting a double, a home run, and driving in four runs. Luke Raley added a three-run homer, and Dominic Canzone contributed a solo shot. Starting pitcher Bryan Woo earned his 20th career win, allowing just two runs over six innings. However, the series finale on June 26 was delayed by rain, and when play resumed, the Mariners suffered a heavy 10-1 loss. Trevor Larnach hit a key home run for Minnesota during an eight-run sixth inning, highlighting the challenges of playing through weather delays.
Weather Disruptions Impact Mariners’ Schedule
Rain has played a major role in the Mariners’ week. The June 26 series finale against the Twins at Target Field was delayed for several hours due to persistent rain in Minneapolis. Both teams were determined to complete the game, as it was their last scheduled meeting of the season. If the game had been postponed, possible makeup dates would have created a grueling stretch of consecutive games for Seattle. The Mariners now face a quick turnaround as they travel to Arlington, Texas, to open a series against the Texas Rangers on June 27, wrapping up a ten-game road trip before returning home.
Injuries and Lineup Changes: Catching Depth Tested
The Mariners’ catching situation has become a focus after Mitch Garver exited the June 26 game with a jaw injury from a foul tip. This forced Seattle to forfeit their designated hitter spot and may lead to the call-up of top catching prospect Harry Ford. The team’s depth is being tested, especially with Raleigh’s heavy workload and Garver’s uncertain status. Meanwhile, reliever Trent Thornton suffered heat illness during a recent game against the Chicago Cubs but is expected to recover quickly, according to manager Dan Wilson.
Trade Deadline Approaches: Mariners Linked to Power Bats
With the July 31 trade deadline approaching, the Mariners are actively exploring ways to strengthen their roster. ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan has linked Seattle to several potential trade targets, including Adolis Garcia (Rangers), Josh Naylor (Diamondbacks), and Marcell Ozuna (Braves). The team is seeking offensive upgrades at first base, third base, and possibly in the outfield. Recent strong performances from Canzone and Raley may reduce the urgency for an outfield addition, but adding a power bat remains a priority. The Mariners’ current record of 40-37 puts them in second place in the AL West and holding the third AL Wild Card spot, making them clear buyers as the deadline nears.
Other Notable News: Home Run Derby, Draft, and Tributes
Raleigh will participate in next month’s Home Run Derby in Atlanta, with his father joining him for the event. Draft analysts expect Seattle to select a college hitter with local ties at pick No. 3 in the upcoming MLB draft, which could further boost the team’s future offense. The Mariners’ bullpen has emerged as a strength, with standout performances from Andrés Muñoz and Matt Brash. The team also paid tribute to legendary pitcher Diego Segui, who passed away at age 87. Segui was a key figure in both the Mariners and Pilots franchises, and his legacy remains strong in Seattle.
Looking Ahead: Mariners Eye Playoff Push
As the Mariners return home after their road trip, they remain in the thick of the AL Wild Card race. With Raleigh’s historic season, a strong bullpen, and the possibility of key trade additions, Seattle is well-positioned for a playoff push. The team will need continued production from stars like Rodríguez and Crawford, as well as contributions from emerging players such as Canzone and Raley. Fans can expect more lineup changes and potential roster moves as the All-Star break and trade deadline approach. The Mariners’ next home stand begins July 7, offering a chance to build momentum for the second half of the season.
In summary, the past week has been eventful for the Mariners, with historic achievements, weather challenges, injury concerns, and trade rumors all shaping the team’s outlook. As the All-Star break nears, Seattle’s focus remains on staying healthy, improving the roster, and making a strong run at the postseason.