Cal Raleigh's historic 2025 season with 60 home runs has cemented his status as baseball's premier catcher, according to ESPN's Buster Olney. The Seattle Mariners slugger dominated positional rankings, setting a new standard for offensive production from the catching position. His remarkable campaign included 110 runs and 125 RBIs, making him the clear choice for the top spot.

Raleigh's workload management became a key focus for Seattle this offseason, with the team balancing his time behind the plate and at designated hitter. Last season, he caught 121 games while serving as DH in 38 others. The Mariners' front office trusts Raleigh's self-assessment, noting his meticulous approach to preparation and daily routines. His dedication extends beyond personal performance, as evidenced by his willingness to mentor minor leaguers during a late-season video call.

The positional rankings also highlighted Alejandro Kirk of the Toronto Blue Jays and Will Smith of the Los Angeles Dodgers as the second and third best catchers. Kirk's exceptional 10.6% strikeout rate and framing skills earned him high praise, while Smith's postseason heroics, including a game-winning home run in the World Series, solidified his elite status. These rankings reflect the current landscape of catching excellence, with Raleigh's offensive dominance setting him apart from his peers.