Cal Raleigh Maintains Faith Amid Early Mariners' Struggles
PUBLISHED Apr 22, 2026, 2:58 AM ET
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SEATTLE — Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh said Tuesday he has faith in the team despite a slow start to the 2026 season, noting he has used the same swing since age nine and trusts his approach after a 2025 season in which he hit 60 home runs and finished as AL MVP runner-up. This week the Mariners are 10-15 through 25 games, including a 5-2 loss to the Athletics where Raleigh hit a solo home run; his batting average sits at .177 with a .538 OPS, leaving Seattle fourth in the AL West and prompting focus on adjustments by players and coaches in the coming days.
By Lauren Mitchell | JQJO News
Timeline of Events
- 2025: Cal Raleigh hits 60 home runs, setting catcher single-season record.
- Late 2025: Raleigh finishes runner-up for the American League MVP award.
- Early 2026: Mariners open season and record a 10-15 start through 25 games.
- This week (Tuesday): Mariners lose 5-2 to the Athletics; Raleigh records a solo homer but posts overall slump.
- At 25 games: Seattle sits fourth in AL West; Astros recorded a 9-16 mark tied for most losses.
News Intelligence
- If you're a Mariners fan, it's been a rough start. But remember, baseball is a marathon, not a sprint. Raleigh's faith in his team and his own abilities could be a sign of a turnaround. Keep an eye on the next few games.
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Cal Raleigh and the Seattle Mariners benefited from Raleigh's 2025 breakout — he hit a record 60 home runs for a catcher and finished as AL MVP runner-up, elevating team expectations entering 2026.
The Mariners, their fan base, and Cal Raleigh experienced immediate setbacks when the team began 2026 with a 10-15 record and Raleigh hit .177 with a .538 OPS, reducing early playoff positioning.
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Cal Raleigh Maintains Faith Amid Early Mariners' Struggles
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