Mariners' Cal Raleigh makes history as the AL's All-Star starting catcher in July 2025! Read about his historic honor before the M's face the Pirates.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Happy Fourth of July, Mariners fans! While the fireworks are still waiting for nightfall, the M's got some explosive news a day early. For the first time in franchise history, a Seattle Mariners catcher has been voted a starter for the All-Star Game, and it's none other than the man himself, Cal 'Big Dumper' Raleigh.
It's kind of like a dream come true with an All-Star Game and being a starter, but we definitely have bigger things ahead. I'm looking forward to October with these guys and winning the World Series for them.
The fan votes are in, and they've made it official: Cal Raleigh is the American League's starting catcher. The honor is a massive, well-deserved recognition for the phenomenal season he's having. Manager Dan Wilson broke the news to a thrilled clubhouse before Thursday's game, celebrating a player who has become the heart and soul of this team. While Raleigh was clearly moved by the personal accolade, his post-announcement comments perfectly captured his team-first mentality, immediately shifting focus to a potential World Series run. It's that leadership, combined with his incredible performance, that has endeared him to fans across the league.
With the All-Star buzz setting a celebratory tone, the Mariners now turn their attention to the field for a holiday matchup against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Seattle enters the series with a solid 45-41 record, having won six of their last ten games. They're still chasing the Astros, sitting 6.5 games back in the AL West, making every series crucial. T-Mobile Park should be electric tonight as the M's look to kick off the homestand with a bang and continue their strong play in close contests, where they boast a 17-11 record this season.
In a minor tune-up ahead of the Pirates series, the front office made a move in the bullpen. Right-handed pitcher Logan Evans has been recalled from Triple-A Tacoma, bringing a fresh arm to the big-league club. To make room, left-hander Joe Jacques was optioned to Tacoma. This is a classic pre-series move to ensure the pitching staff is optimized and has the right matchups available for the weekend.
Cal Raleigh's historic All-Star start is a powerful reminder of the special talent on this roster. Now, the challenge is to channel that individual brilliance into collective success. With a festive holiday crowd behind them and a crucial series ahead, the Mariners have a perfect opportunity to build momentum and start chipping away at that AL West lead. The goal, as Cal so perfectly stated, isn't just All-Star games; it's bringing a championship to Seattle. Let's hope tonight's fireworks are just the beginning.
