The 2025 Major League Baseball (MLB) season could go down in the history books as one of the most explosive on offense, with several hitters on pace to reach or surpass 50 home runs. This feat, which has occurred only 52 times in the 150 years of Major League Baseball, could see a record number of players this year.
Catcher Cal Raleigh, of the Seattle Mariners, already has 54 home runs, equaling Mickey Mantle’s (New York Yankees, 1961) record as the ambidextrous hitter with the most home runs in a season. Of his home runs, 43 have been as a catcher, breaking the mark of Puerto Rican Javy Lopez (42 with the Atlanta Braves in 2003). In the National League, Kyle Schwarber, of the Philadelphia Phillies, has already reached 52 home runs, becoming the second player in franchise history with at least 50 in a season, behind only Ryan Howard (58 in 2006).
Stars that could join the 50 percent club
Behind Raleigh and Schwarber come big names who could add to the MLB all-time list.
Japan’s Shohei Ohtani (Los Angeles Dodgers) has 49, while outfielder Aaron Judge (New York Yankees) has 47 and is aiming for his fourth 50-plus season, something only Babe Ruth, Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa have achieved.
Among the Latinos, Venezuelan Eugenio Suárez, with 45 home runs between the Arizona Diamondbacks and Mariners, and Dominican Junior Caminero (Tampa Bay Rays), with 44, stand out.
Juan Soto, of the New York Mets, has already reached 40 for the second consecutive season.
ESPN projections put Suarez at 49 and Caminero at 48 at the end of the campaign, very close to the target, while Soto projects 43.
An all-time record within reach
Among the Latinos, the Venezuelan Eugenio Suárez stands out
QuéOnnda.com
Only in two seasons – 1998 and 2001 – did four players reach 50 home runs:
In 1998, Mark McGwire (70), Sammy Sosa (66), Ken Griffey Jr. (56) and Greg Vaughn (50)
In 2001, Barry Bonds (73), Sosa (64), Luis Gonzalez (57) and Alex Rodriguez (52)
In 2024, Aaron Judge (58) and Ohtani (54) were the only two to achieve it, but this year there could be as many as five hitters surpassing the 50 barrier.
If Ohtani, Judge, Suarez or Caminero can join Raleigh and Schwarber, MLB 2025 would set an unprecedented record.
With two weeks remaining in the regular season, baseball’s eyes are on every swing:
The 50’s club could make history like never before.
For more information, visit QuéOnnda.com.