Cal Raleigh's torpedo bat experiment is resulting in an AL MVP candidate

Cal Raleigh is off to a scorching start in 2025, and if his current trajectory holds, the American League MVP race might need to make room for the first catcher to win the award since Joe Mauer in 2009.

The Seattle Mariners’ backstop has launched six home runs in his last six games, including a historic two-homer performance on April 16 against the Cincinnati Reds, where he went deep from both sides of the plate for the fourth time in his career.

The second blast also marked his 100th career home run, making him the fourth-fastest catcher in MLB history to reach the milestone (482 games), trailing only Gary Sánchez, Mike Piazza, and Rudy York.

Cal Raleigh was already an elite defender, and his new torpedo bat is making him an elite slugger

Raleigh’s offensive explosion is turning heads, but his defensive prowess remains elite. The reigning AL Platinum Glove winner led MLB in innings caught last season and topped the league in caught-stealings for a second time. His pitch framing and game-calling have been instrumental in guiding Seattle’s pitching staff, making him one of the best catchers in the game.

One of the biggest headlines early in 2025 was the New York Yankees' use of the torpedo bat. After they hit team-record nine home runs in just a single game, the Mariners took notice and started to try the bats out for themselves. Raleigh has made the switch to the torpedo bat, and it’s already becoming part of Seattle sports lore.

The custom design, known for its end-loaded balance and explosive barrel, seems tailor-made for Raleigh’s powerful swing. Since picking it up, he's been launching moonshots with such consistency that it may force MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred to fulfill his goal of making baseball less entertaining and ban the torpedo bats.

It’s not just a gimmick — it’s a weapon, and Raleigh is utilizing it better than anyone around the league. The bat hasn’t just changed his exit velocities and barrel rate — it’s changed the vibe around the Mariners' offense entirely. Don't look now, but they are a top 10 offense according to wRC+.

For a team constantly pinching pennies like Mr. Krabs, Seattle’s front office must be feeling pretty savvy right now. Raleigh’s six-year, $105 million extension, signed in March, is already looking like a bargain. With incentives, the deal could reach $123 million, but even that might be a steal if Raleigh continues this MVP-caliber performance. He's not just hitting home runs; he's anchoring the lineup, leading the pitching staff, energizing the clubhouse and the city of Seattle.

As the season progresses, keep an eye on "The Big Dumper." If he maintains this level of play, he won't just be the best catcher in baseball — he'll be a legitimate contender for the AL MVP.