Breaking: Seattle Mariners Make HUGE Commitment to Cal Raleigh

The Seattle Mariners seemed afraid to go out and spend money this past offseason to boost their offense. But they're apparently not averse to spending to keep their own. The M's have just handed out a huge six-year, $105 million contract extension to catcher Cal Raleigh.

BREAKING: Catcher Cal Raleigh and the Seattle Mariners are finalizing a six-year, $105 million contract extension, sources tell ESPN. Deal starts this season and buys out three years of free agency. A huge deal to keep a franchise catcher in Seattle.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) March 25, 2025

Raleigh, 28, won the Gold Glove and Platinum Glove Awards in 2024, while blasting 34 homers with 100 RBIs. He ranked in the 98th percentile of all big league catchers in pitch framing. He is also a leader in the clubhouse.

The extension kicks in this year and buys out three years of free agency. He was scheduled to earn $5.6 million this season, but the new deal immediately boosts his salary to $17.5 million going forward.

Despite his big strikeout numbers and batting average in the low .200s, Raleigh has been a well-above-average hitter, with two straight seasons of 30+ homers, and drawing enough walks to help offset the Ks to some extent. He had an OPS+ last year of a very solid 119.

Behind the plate, he's the leader of a league-best pitching rotation, with Logan Gilbert, Luis Castillo, Bryce Miller, George Kirby and Bryan Woo combining for a 3.38 ERA last season. That staff and any other new arrivals will continue to... rally around Raleigh until the 2030 season.