From Big Dumper to American League Home Run Derby Champion, Cal Raleigh is Turning Baseball Upside Down

When Cal Raleigh stepped onto the All-Star stage this week, the baseball world expected epic home runs. They didn't expect history to be made. Not only did the Seattle Mariners catcher arrive with a league-leading 38 homers, but he also left with the 2025 Home Run Derby crown.

He has officially become the first catcher in MLB history to win the event. The title added yet another milestone to a season already packed with jaw-dropping stats and surreal moments from the player and the team.

That now-iconic moment included a viral introduction by Pat McAfee, who shouted to the crowd that Raleigh had 'the fattest ass in all of professional sports', a cheeky (pun intended) nod to the slugger's well-worn nickname, Big Dumper. But by the end of the night, it wasn't the line that had fans talking. It was Raleigh's trophy in hand and family by his side.

The Rise of Big Dumper

Cal Raleigh has never followed the standard playbook. A third-round pick out of Florida State, he was known early in his career for his elite defence and stoic leadership. He won a Platinum Glove last season before exploding at the plate in 2025.

His 38 homers and 82 RBIs at the All-Star break not only led the majors. This also put him on pace to break records held by Salvador Perez, Mickey Mantle and even Derby competitor Aaron Judge.
Still, the moment that stole hearts came during the Derby itself. This was when Raleigh turned the event into a family affair. With his father, Todd, throwing the pitches and 15-year-old brother "T" catching behind the plate, Raleigh powered past a stacked field before beating Junior Caminero 18–15 in the final.

As Yahoo Sports reported, he said: 'I could have hit zero home runs, and I would have had just as much fun. I just can't believe we won. It's unbelievable'.

Earned Respect and MVP Talk

While fans have embraced the nickname, Raleigh's peers are talking about something else entirely: his MVP-calibre season. Aaron Judge, speaking to The Mirror US, called Raleigh 'a special talent'. He applauded the difficulty of managing both swings as a switch-hitter while also leading a pitching staff defensively. That's the kind of workload only a handful of players in baseball history have juggled, and Raleigh is thriving.

Through the first half, Raleigh is slashing .259/.376/.634, with a 1.011 OPS and a 4.8 bWAR, second in the AL behind only Judge. The Mariners' star has found a perfect blend of power and poise that has turned him from cult hero to league leader.

And yes, the Big Dumper nickname lives on. This was first coined by ex-teammate Jared Kelenic. Sports Illustrated detailed how McAfee's bold intro added fuel to Raleigh's growing brand, and the catcher took it all in stride earlier this year, saying: 'It's true. That's who I am'.

A Home Run Derby Champ With Heart

Despite the headlines and hardware, Cal Raleigh's centre remains unchanged, citing family and focus. Whether reminiscing about his childhood training at the "Raleigh Ranch" or handing down cleats to his younger brother, Raleigh keeps his roots close. As USA TODAY reported, even his time in Atlanta was spent with family close by, echoing his early days when he was a bat boy under his dad's coaching.

The Mariners' six-year, $105 million extension with Raleigh seems like a bargain now. 'It's like home', he said of Seattle, a place where he's grown into his game, his identity. And now, he's grown into the face of the franchise.

The baseball world may still be adjusting to a catcher leading the league in bombs, winning Derby titles, and going toe-to-toe with MVPs. But Cal Raleigh isn't looking back. As he put it: 'I've just gotta keep working'.

The rest of the league? They'll be watching, curious, and maybe a little bit nervous.