Cal Raleigh's Struggles Highlight Mariners' Ongoing Challenges

Cal Raleigh's performance this season has fallen dramatically, raising concerns among fans and analysts alike. Following an impressive 2025 season where he hit 60 home runs, expectations were high for the Seattle Mariners catcher. However, an early-season oblique strain sidelined him, marking only the beginning of a tumultuous year.

Since returning from the injured list in mid-June, Raleigh's struggles have continued, as reflected in his disappointing statistics. With a mere .509 OPS and a wRC+ of 56 in the second half of the season, his overall OPS stands at .564 and a wRC+ of 68, placing him among the least effective hitters in the league. If he were qualified for end-of-year stats, he would rank as the third-worst offensive player this season.

After a recent 4-1 loss to the New York Yankees, Raleigh expressed his frustration, stating, “We’re not playing well, that starts with me. I’m awful.” This sentiment was echoed as the Mariners extended their losing streak to six games before managing a 1-0 win against the Yankees in their last matchup.

Raleigh's decline is noteworthy in baseball history. According to Mike Petriello, his current drop in OPS marks the second-largest in the sport's annals. While some players have managed to recover from similar downturns, the question remains whether Raleigh can find a way back.

His struggles stem from various factors, including adjustments from opposing pitchers and the physical toll of being an everyday catcher. Raleigh's walk rate has seen a slight decline, but it is his strikeout rate of 32.2% that raises more eyebrows, marking the highest since his rookie season in 2021. A significant part of Raleigh's success last year came from his ability to hit pulled balls effectively, yet this year, his contact quality has diminished significantly.

Of particular concern is Raleigh's performance against fastballs. After generating 28 runs against four-seamers and sinkers last season, he now sits at a dismal minus-15 run value against those pitches. The lingering effects of his oblique injury may be a crucial factor impacting his performance.

Despite these challenges, hope remains for a turnaround. The Mariners currently sit eight games under .500, and the team's playoff aspirations are dwindling. As the season progresses, the focus will be on whether Raleigh can recapture the form that made him a standout player just a year ago.

Source: defector.com