Mariners extend Raleigh on 6-year deal reportedly worth $105M

The Seattle Mariners signed catcher Cal Raleigh to a six-year extension with a vesting player option for 2031, the club announced Wednesday.

Raleigh's deal is worth $105 million, sources told ESPN's Jeff Passan.

"This place has always felt like home since I arrived here in Seattle," Raleigh said in a statement. "They took me in from day one with kindness and respect and it is one of the top places to play in professional sports. I wanted to stay here because of the connection with the people of the Pacific Northwest and the Seattle Mariners, but I know it doesn't always work out the way you want it to.

"I feel blessed that the Mariners gave me this opportunity and I can't think of a better place in MLB to call home. We have a great nucleus of players here and aren't far off from bringing the World Series to Seattle."

The 28-year-old hit 34 home runs and 100 RBIs for the Mariners last season while winning the Gold Glove at his position. The deal is set to begin immediately and it buys out three years of arbitration eligibility.

Raleigh's 2031 player option will be worth $20 million if vested and the pact also includes a $2-million buyout, per Passan.

"Big Dumper" gets a full no-trade clause as part of the extension, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.

Raleigh's 5.4 fWAR led all American League catchers in 2024 and tied him with Milwaukee Brewers All-Star William Contreras for the major-league lead at the position.

The 13.9 fWAR by Raleigh since 2022 is tops among all catchers.

Seattle's pitchers have thrived with Raleigh calling the shots behind the dish. Over the past two years its staff leads MLB in ERA (3.62), ranks second in FIP (3.81), and has the fifth-best fWAR (36.3).

The switch-hitter owns a career .740 OPS (112 OPS+) with 93 home runs.