Raleigh, Team USA and Mariners
Digest more
Big Dumper is ready to take on the world. Mariners All-Star catcher and MLB home run leader Cal Raleigh announced on Monday that he will join Team USA for the 2026 World Baseball Classic. (And then he went out and won the T-Mobile Home Run Derby.
USA Baseball announced the decision before Cal Raleigh participated in the All-Star Home Run Derby. The 28-year-old entered the All-Star break leading the major leagues with 38 homers and 82 RBIs.
Cal Raleigh’s incredible first half, capped by Monday's Home Run Derby win, has even baseball legends excited to see what comes next.
Raleigh announced on All-Star media day that he will be officially joining the roster for the World Baseball Classic next year. Raleigh will join Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes, Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., and New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge, who will serve as Team USA's captain, in competing for the championship.
Cal Raleigh, a former Smoky Mountain standout, will compete in the Home Run Derby with his dad, former Tennessee coach Todd Raleigh, pitching.