If you’ve followed the Seattle Mariners lately, you’ve heard the name Cal Raleigh — and probably his nickname “Big Dumper” too. There’s a reason fans are curious: since debuting on July 11, 2021, Raleigh has become one of the most intriguing catchers in baseball. This article pulls together his stats, contract details, and the story behind the nickname to give you the full picture.

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Nickname: “Big Dumper” · Team: Seattle Mariners · Position: Catcher · MLB Debut: July 11, 2021

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Exact current salary figures before extension ($5.6M reported for 2025) (MLB.com – contract coverage)
  • Relationship status: no publicly confirmed partner as of early 2025 (MLB.com – contract coverage)
3Timeline signal
  • Drafted 90th overall in 2018 (MLB.com)
  • Hit 30 home runs in 2023 season (MLB.com)
  • Signed six-year, $105M extension March 25, 2025 (ESPN – sources)
4What’s next
  • Raleigh is expected to remain the Mariners’ primary catcher through the 2025 season and beyond under his new contract (CBS Sports – extension report)

Here are the key biographical details for Cal Raleigh at a glance:

Full name Caleb John Raleigh
Nickname Big Dumper
Date of birth November 26, 1996
Height 6′ 2″ (188 cm)
Weight 235 lb (106 kg)
Team Seattle Mariners
Position Catcher
Bats/Throws Both/Right
MLB debut July 11, 2021
College Florida State
Draft info 2018, Round 3, Pick 90 by Mariners

Why is Cal Raleigh called the big dumper?

Origin of the nickname “Big Dumper”

The nickname “Big Dumper” is widely used by fans and media. According to Britannica’s sports biography, it was given by former Mariners teammate Jarred Kelenic. The name plays on Raleigh’s large frame and strength behind the plate — at 6’2″ and 235 pounds, he’s an imposing presence as a catcher. MLB.com produced a video documenting the nickname’s legend, and Wikipedia lists “Big Dumper” as his primary nickname.

The implication: The nickname stuck because it fits — both physically and in the way Raleigh handles the pitching staff. It’s not just a joke; it’s a badge of his role on the team.

Why this matters

A catcher with a memorable nickname like “Big Dumper” generates fan engagement and media attention that most backup catchers never see. For the Mariners, that visibility is a bonus — as long as the performance backs it up.

What is Cal Raleigh’s salary?

Salary details for 2025 season

On March 25, 2025, the Mariners and Raleigh reportedly agreed to a six-year, $105 million extension, according to Yahoo Sports (citing sources) and ESPN. Before that deal, Raleigh was arbitration-eligible and had avoided arbitration with a $5.6 million salary for 2025, as reported by CBS Sports and MLB.com. Under the extension, Raleigh will earn $11 million in 2026 and $12 million in 2027, per Yahoo Sports.

The pattern: The extension locks up a cornerstone player through his prime years, but the front-loaded structure means the Mariners are betting heavily on his continued development.

The trade-off

For a catcher with one full power season (30 HR in 2023), $105 million is a significant commitment. If Raleigh’s offensive production dips or injuries mount, the contract could become an albatross. But if he maintains his power and defensive value, it’s a bargain relative to free-agent catcher deals.

Is Cal Raleigh married or single?

Cal Raleigh’s relationship status

As of the latest available information (early 2025), Raleigh has not publicly confirmed a girlfriend or partner. FOX Sports’ player bio lists only his baseball details, with no mention of a spouse. Social media accounts don’t show a clear relationship either. It remains unclear whether he is single, dating privately, or simply choosing to keep his personal life out of the spotlight.

What this means: For fans asking the question, the answer is simply that Raleigh’s relationship status is not a matter of public record. That’s not unusual for a young player focused on his career.

Cal Raleigh stats, age, position, height, weight, fantasy & news

Career statistics overview

Raleigh, 29 (born November 26, 1996), entered the 2026 season with a .162 batting average, 7 home runs, and 20 RBIs in the early campaign, according to ESPN’s stat page. His FOX Sports bio lists him as both a right-handed and left-handed hitter (bats both), and he stands 6’2″ and weighs 235 lb. ESPN also confirms he throws right-handed.

For fantasy baseball managers, Raleigh’s value lies in his power potential (30 HR in 2023) and his position as a starting catcher on a playoff-contending team. His batting average is a concern, but he contributes in home runs and RBIs. MLB.com’s player page notes he was drafted out of Florida State, where Florida State’s roster says he led the Seminoles with a .326 average in 2018 while starting all 62 games at catcher.

Physical measurements

  • Height: 6′ 2″ (188 cm) – ESPN
  • Weight: 235 lb (106 kg) – ESPN
  • Age: 29 (as of 2025) – FOX Sports

One pattern across his stats: He’s a power-over-average hitter who provides strong defense behind the plate. The Mariners are banking on that power continuing under his new contract.

Beyond the basics, here’s a snapshot of his 2026 performance and the financial structure of his extension:

Category Value Source
2026 batting average .162 ESPN
2026 home runs 7 ESPN
2026 RBIs 20 ESPN
Extension length 6 years ESPN
Extension total value $105 million Yahoo Sports
2025 salary (pre-extension) $5.6 million CBS Sports
2026 salary $11 million Yahoo Sports
2027 salary $12 million Yahoo Sports

Confirmed facts

  • Born November 26, 1996 in Harrisonburg, VA
  • Plays catcher for Seattle Mariners
  • Nickname is “Big Dumper”
  • College: Florida State
  • Drafted 3rd round (90th overall) in 2018
  • MLB debut July 11, 2021
  • Signed 6-year, $105M extension in March 2025

What’s unclear

  • Exact current salary breakdown beyond reported figures
  • Relationship status – no publicly confirmed partner
  • Long-term offensive consistency – 2023 power spike vs. 2026 slow start

Quotes about Cal Raleigh

“Cal Raleigh was drafted by the Seattle Mariners in the 3rd round with the 90th overall pick in the 2018 MLB Draft.”

— MLB.com – official player bio

“Raleigh’s nickname ‘Big Dumper’ was given by former Mariners teammate Jarred Kelenic.”

— Britannica – sports encyclopedia

“The Mariners and Cal Raleigh reached a six-year, $105 million contract extension on March 25, 2025.”

— ESPN – reported by Jeff Passan

The pattern for Cal Raleigh is clear: a power-hitting catcher with a memorable nickname, now backed by a nine-figure contract. For the Seattle Mariners, the bet is that his defense and home-run ability will anchor the lineup through 2030. For fans, the question is whether “Big Dumper” will deliver enough offense to make the extension look smart. The early 2026 numbers raise eyebrows, but his track record in 2023 suggests the power is real.

Additional sources

youtube.com, marinersblog.mlblogs.com

His standout offensive performance included record-breaking 60 home runs in 2025, a feat that cemented his place among the league’s elite power hitters.

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Frequently asked questions

What is Cal Raleigh’s batting average in 2026?

As of early 2026, Raleigh is hitting .162 with 7 home runs and 20 RBIs, according to ESPN.

How many home runs has Cal Raleigh hit in his career?

Through 2025, Raleigh hit 30 home runs in 2023 and added 7 in the early 2026 season. His career total is not fully aggregated here, but his single-season high is 30.

Where did Cal Raleigh go to college?

He attended Florida State University, where he led the Seminoles with a .326 batting average in 2018 (Florida State roster).

Who is Cal Raleigh’s girlfriend?

Raleigh has not publicly confirmed a girlfriend or partner. His relationship status is not disclosed in any official sources.

Why is his nickname “Big Dumper”?

The nickname was given by former teammate Jarred Kelenic, according to Britannica, and refers to his large frame and powerful hitting style.

Is Cal Raleigh injured?

As of early 2026, there are no reports of a significant injury. He is active and playing.

How much is Cal Raleigh’s contract worth?

He signed a six-year, $105 million extension with the Mariners on March 25, 2025 (ESPN).

How tall is Cal Raleigh?

Raleigh is 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm) tall (ESPN).

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