In a season marked by remarkable individual achievements and a relentless team pursuit of postseason glory, the Seattle Mariners etched their name in the history books by clinching the AL West title for the first time in 24 years. At the heart of this triumph lies Cal Raleigh’s awe-inspiring power display, as the switch-hitting catcher smashed his way into the record books with a staggering 60 home runs.
Want to know what people are really saying? Don’t miss the buzz from Reddit at the end!
Raleigh’s Record-Breaking Blasts Clinch AL West for Mariners
On September 24th, 2025, the Seattle Mariners celebrated a momentous occasion as they secured their first AL West championship since 2001. The catalyst for this triumph was none other than Cal Raleigh, whose prodigious power at the plate propelled the team to a resounding 9-2 victory over the Colorado Rockies. Raleigh’s two towering blasts not only brought his season total to a major league-leading 60 home runs but also etched his name in the annals of baseball history as the first catcher and switch hitter to achieve this remarkable feat. ‘I think we’re playing our best baseball right now, and that’s the teams you see win it all,’ Gilbert said. ‘So, I think we’ve got a chance.’ “AP News” Raleigh’s historic season also saw him accumulate 143 hits, 124 RBIs, and 109 runs scored in 584 at-bats, showcasing his well-rounded offensive prowess.
Mariners’ Midseason Moves Fuel Playoff Push
The Mariners’ path to the AL West crown was not without its challenges. Entering the mid-summer break just six games above .500, President of Baseball Operations Jerry Dipoto orchestrated a bold move, acquiring sluggers Eugenio Suárez and Josh Naylor from the Arizona Diamondbacks at the trade deadline. This infusion of power proved to be the catalyst the Mariners needed, as they have since posted an impressive 31-17 record, clinching a playoff spot on Tuesday night. In addition to Raleigh’s historic campaign, the 2025 Mariners boasted four other All-Stars: outfielders Randy Arozarena, Julio Rodríguez, right-hander Bryan Woo, and closer Andrés Muñoz. Suárez and Naylor’s contributions were invaluable, with Suárez blasting 49 home runs and driving in 117 runs, while Naylor added 20 homers, 92 RBIs, and swiped 29 bases.
Rotation Resilience Amid Injuries
While the Mariners’ offensive prowess has garnered well-deserved attention, their pitching staff has also played a pivotal role in their success. Despite injuries to starters George Kirby, Bryce Miller, Logan Evans, and Logan Gilbert, the rotation has remained resilient, anchored by veteran Luis Castillo and the breakout season of Bryan Woo. Woo, who leads the team in wins, innings, strikeouts, and WAR, will unfortunately skip his next scheduled start due to pectoral tightness. Nevertheless, the Mariners’ depth and determination have enabled them to overcome adversity and maintain their dominance on the mound. Woo’s stellar campaign saw him rack up 198 strikeouts across 184.8 innings, while Castillo logged 186.5 innings with 167 strikeouts.
Postseason Potential: Can Mariners Seize the Moment?
As the Mariners close in on securing a first-round bye in the playoffs, the anticipation and excitement surrounding their postseason potential continue to build. With a deep lineup, a formidable rotation, and a palpable team camaraderie, the Mariners believe they have what it takes to make a deep run in the playoffs. Julio Rodríguez, one of the team’s young stars, echoed this sentiment, stating, ‘We’ve got a chance’ to win it all. The Mariners’ previous best postseason performance was reaching the ALCS in five appearances, but this year’s squad is determined to rewrite history and bring the ultimate prize back to Seattle. As they enter the playoffs playing their best baseball, the Mariners are poised to seize the moment and etch their names among the game’s elite champions. Rodríguez, who tallied 32 homers, 98 RBIs, and 28 stolen bases, will be a key factor in the team’s postseason success.
Internet Reactions to Mariners’ AL West Title
As the Seattle Mariners celebrated their first AL West championship in 24 years, the internet was abuzz with reactions and discussions surrounding the team’s remarkable achievement. While the spotlight was deservedly on the record-breaking performance of catcher Cal Raleigh, Mariners fans and baseball enthusiasts alike couldn’t help but draw comparisons between the team’s young stars and other standout players around the league.
While the debates surrounding the MVP race between Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani continued to captivate the baseball world, some fans noted that the Mariners’ own young star, Julio Rodríguez, was also making a strong case for himself. Rodríguez’s impressive stat line and all-around contributions to the Mariners’ success were not going unnoticed, with some suggesting that he might deserve consideration alongside the league’s elite players.
Some fans also drew comparisons between Rodríguez and other young stars like Kyle Schwarber, noting that Rodríguez’s contributions to the Mariners’ success were on a different level. This sentiment further highlighted the excitement and optimism surrounding the Mariners’ roster, as they prepared to make a deep playoff push with their talented core.