ATLANTA, GA – July 15, 2025 – The thunderous cracks of the bat at Truist Park have barely faded, but the echoes of Cal Raleigh’s historic 2025 T-Mobile Home Run Derby victory are already reverberating across the global baseball landscape. Just hours after solidifying his status as the sport’s premier power hitter, the Seattle Mariners’ star catcher officially announced his commitment to represent Team USA in the highly anticipated 2026 World Baseball Classic. This monumental decision marks a pivotal moment for both Raleigh and American baseball, signaling a clear intent to reclaim the international crown.
Raleigh, affectionately known as “Big Dumper” to fans, entered the All-Star break leading Major League Baseball with an astounding 38 home runs, shattering expectations and redefining the offensive capabilities of a primary catcher. His sensational first half, complemented by 82 RBIs and a staggering 1.010 OPS, positioned him as a favorite in the Derby, a contest he dominated with a performance that will be etched in history. Becoming the first switch-hitter and first catcher to ever win the Home Run Derby, Raleigh’s triumph was a family affair, with his father on the mound and younger brother behind the plate, adding a touching personal narrative to his professional zenith. His longest blast in the final round stretched an impressive 464 feet, a testament to the raw power that has become his hallmark. This season, he’s not just breaking records for catchers; he’s on pace to challenge Aaron Judge’s American League single-season home run record of 62, a truly remarkable trajectory.
The announcement of Raleigh’s inclusion in Team USA for the 2026 World Baseball Classic immediately injects an electrifying jolt into an already star-studded roster. He joins a formidable lineup of early commits that includes New York Yankees captain Aaron Judge, Pittsburgh Pirates phenom Paul Skenes, and Kansas City Royals sensation Bobby Witt Jr. This formidable core, under the guidance of manager Mark DeRosa, promises to be a nightmare for opposing pitchers and a thrilling spectacle for baseball fans worldwide.
The 2026 World Baseball Classic is poised to be an unforgettable showcase of international baseball talent, scheduled to run from March 5-17, 2026. Games will span four vibrant host cities: San Juan (Puerto Rico), Houston (USA), Tokyo (Japan), and Miami (USA), with the championship clash set for loanDepot Park in Miami. Team USA, drawn into Pool B, will kick off their campaign in Houston against Brazil, before facing off against Great Britain, Italy, and Mexico. The goal is clear: advance through the group stage and contend for the championship title, a trophy last held by Japan in 2023.
Raleigh’s commitment underscores the growing prestige of the World Baseball Classic among MLB’s elite. For years, the tournament has been a battleground where national pride fuels intense competition. With a reigning Home Run Derby champion and a league-leading slugger like Raleigh joining the ranks, Team USA is sending a resounding message to the world: they are assembling a roster built for power, precision, and a relentless pursuit of gold. His defensive prowess, highlighted by a 2024 Gold Glove and Platinum Glove Award, further solidifies his value as a complete player, capable of impacting the game on both sides of the ball.
The “Big Dumper” era in American baseball is officially in full swing. From historic dingers in the Derby to a pivotal role in the quest for World Baseball Classic glory, Cal Raleigh is rapidly becoming one of the most compelling figures in the sport. Baseball enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating March 2026, when Raleigh and Team USA will take the international stage, ready to write the next chapter in their storied baseball saga.
