Seattle’s switch-hitting catcher Cal Raleigh leads Major League Baseball with 35 home runs through July 6. That would be an astounding accomplishment over a full season, but Raleigh has been able to hit that many in just half a season.
Outside of the steroid era, such an impressive power feat is practically unheard of, especially from a catcher. We haven’t even reached the All-Star break, and Raleigh is 13 home runs away from the all-time record by a catcher over a full season. Salvador Perez had 48 in 2021.
Who holds the record for the most home runs at the All-Star break and can Raleigh top that before the break starts on July 14?
Who hit the most home runs before the All-Star Break?
As is the case with most home run records, this record is held by Barry Bonds, who hit 39 homers before the 2001 All-Star break.
Raleigh’s 35 ties him for fifth all-time alongside 2001 Luis Gonzalez and fellow Mariners legend 1998 Ken Griffey Jr. Raleigh already holds the record for catchers, having surpassed the previous high of 28 set by Johnny Bench in 1970, on June 20 against the Chicago Cubs. This year, Raleigh also became the first switch-hitter to reach 30 home runs before the All-Star break.
Can Cal Raleigh break Barry Bonds’ record?
It will be difficult. The Mariners have just six games left before the break − all on the road – against the New York Yankees and the Detroit Tigers. In 2025, the Yankees and Tigers rank in the top half of MLB in HR/9 allowed (Yankees: 13th, 1.08; Tigers: 9th, 1.02).
But Raleigh has been a much better hitter on the road this year. Despite having played two fewer games on the road thus far, he has 18 home runs away from home compared to 17 at Comerica Park. His batting average, on-base percentage and slugging percentage are all higher on the road as well.
Additionally, Raleigh has several stretches of at least five home runs in six games. So far in 2025, the most home runs he has hit in a six-game span is nine from April 11 to April 17. More recently, Raleigh hit five home runs in four games between June 20 and June 23. He has been on a cold streak lately, hitting only three homers in his last 12 games.
What is the record for most home runs in a full season?
The full season record is 73 by Bonds in 2001. The American League record is 62, set by Aaron Judge in 2022. Raleigh is currently on pace for 63 home runs.