Cal Raleigh Shatters Catcher Home Run Record, Leads MLB with 49 Blasts and Emerges as AL MVP Contender

Seattle Mariners slugger Cal Raleigh launched his 48th and 49th home runs on Sunday, surpassing Salvador Perez's MLB record for most home runs by a catcher in a single season. Raleigh's historic performance, which includes 40 of his 49 homers coming while playing catcher, has him leading the majors and emerging as a strong contender for the American League MVP award with 104 RBIs and 7.0 fWAR. The 28-year-old, who previously won the Home Run Derby as the first switch-hitter and catcher, recently signed a six-year, $105 million extension and continues his impressive season despite playing in a pitcher-friendly home park.