Dressed in his batting practice gear, he took center stage to announce his six-year, $105 million contract extension with the team that drafted and developed him. He was joined by the organization’s owner, president, and general manager. In the front row, his family, who had traveled from out of state, watched proudly, while the back of the room was filled with teammates and coaches, including much of the starting rotation.
This moment almost never happened—at least, not in Seattle. Born in North Carolina and having played college ball at Florida State, he was originally lined up for a fourth-round selection by the Atlanta Braves. However, the Mariners intervened, selecting him in the third round, just two rounds after drafting his future Opening Day battery mate, Logan Gilbert. Initially, the change was a shock, as his expectations for the start of his professional career were upended. But over time, as he settled into life as a major leaguer, he also grew more at home in his new city.
“I didn’t know much about Seattle at first,” Cal Raleigh, admitted. “But I slowly learned about the culture, about this city and this organization, and I grew to love it. Especially after that 2022 season when we made a playoff run, the city really embraced not just me but all of us.”
Among the things Cal Raleigh, has come to appreciate about Seattle are the summer weather (“If I were in Atlanta, I’d be sweating every day,” he joked), the restaurants and places he enjoys around the city, and the friendships he has formed, both within and outside the organization.
“It’s been great—it’s really become a second home for me,” he said, before adding with a chuckle, “And maybe now I can start looking at buying a house here.”
While the financial security was significant, Raleigh’s decision to stay in Seattle was primarily driven by his alignment with the organization’s vision—bringing postseason success and, ultimately, a World Series title to the city. He also considered the team’s long-term outlook, particularly the strength of its young pitching staff and the promising players rising through the ranks.
“Looking at the future, we have a lot of great young prospects,” Raleigh said, reflecting on his own journey from prospect to established major leaguer. “You can’t always count on that, but from what I saw in spring training, we have a lot of talented guys with the right mindset. With the players we already have locked in, I think we’ve got a really good mix.”
A New Role as a Leader
Now that his contract is secured, Raleigh is focused on more than just his performance—he wants to help shape the team’s culture.
“Mr. Stanton and the front office have placed this responsibility on me—to be a leader, to help guide this team, and to push us toward the playoffs and a World Series,” he said. “That’s how I’m approaching it. My preparation won’t change, and my goals remain the same. But it feels good knowing they believe in me and what we’re building here.”
“Now, it’s on me to help create a winning culture and set the right tone for this team,” he added. “That’s what I’m really excited about.”
The impact Raleigh has already made was evident in the turnout for his press conference. Almost the entire starting rotation, except for Luis Castillo (who was set to pitch that night) and George Kirby (currently on the injured list), showed up to support him. Several relievers, including Gabe Speier, Trent Thornton, and Tayler Saucedo, also attended, along with Mariners coaches. Some teammates even took the opportunity to ask playful questions—Bryce Miller joked about why Logan Gilbert had to foot the bill at a recent team dinner (“The deal wasn’t done yet!” Raleigh laughed), while Bryan Woo inquired about what gifts Raleigh would be giving his pitchers, similar to how quarterbacks reward their offensive lines after signing big contracts. Raleigh quickly countered, joking, “Isn’t it supposed to be the other way around? Pitchers take care of the catcher, right?”
Raleigh also poked fun at the experience of sharing living spaces with his pitching staff, particularly his close friend Gilbert, before expressing gratitude for the relationships he has built.
“These guys mean the world to me,” he said. “Having those bonds makes everything more special. Knowing I’ll be here for a long time, making more memories with these guys, that’s something I’m really looking forward to.”
A Surprising Journey
Though Raleigh may not have originally envisioned Seattle as the place where he would establish himself, life often leads people down unexpected paths. His mother, Stephanie, recalled being surprised by how many distant relatives and acquaintances reached out with offers of support when Raleigh was drafted by the Mariners. What once seemed like a far-off destination has since become a second home.
As he opened the press conference, Raleigh thanked everyone for attending and jokingly apologized for the “awkward” timing with Opening Day around the corner. But as it wrapped up, he wasn’t quite finished.
“Actually, I have one more thing,” he said, before delivering an emotional speech. The typically stoic catcher choked up as he expressed gratitude to his coaches, teammates, and especially his family. He thanked his parents “for giving me all the opportunities in the world” and his siblings for always being there for him. The moment underscored the sacrifices he has made to pursue his career, living thousands of miles and multiple time zones away from those closest to him.
“I know it’s tough,” he said, his voice breaking as he paused to collect himself. “Being all the way out in Seattle. But I really do love it here.”
And Seattle loves him back.
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