Cal Raleigh 2026 struggles affect Mariners' offense after 60 home run 2025 season

Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh hit 60 home runs in 2025 but is struggling in early 2026. This is a big change from last year's performance.
By Newsroom | Sports, Baseball |

Seattle, WA – November 4, 2026 – Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh, a prodigious home run hitter last season, finds himself in a period of uncharacteristic struggle at the plate as the 2026 campaign unfolds. Reports detail his performance across the initial 55 plate appearances, highlighting a noticeable dip from his dominant 2025 output.

The slump has become a talking point, with the team and observers alike questioning the root causes as the Mariners navigate the early weeks of the season. His power, a cornerstone of the team's success last year, appears to be muted, raising concerns about Seattle's offensive firepower.

Breaking down Cal Raleigh's first 55 plate appearances of 2026 -- and what's gone wrong for the Mariners - 1

Batting Woes Surface Early

Raleigh's early-season woes are evident in his statistics. After just 13 games, his batting average dipped below the Mendoza line, a stark contrast to his previous performance. This period of difficulty spans from March 26th to March 29th, according to reports.

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  • The catcher's struggles have manifested in various ways at the plate.

  • One pattern observed involves swinging at early pitches, even those left over the plate, resulting in outs.

  • For example, in one instance, a first-pitch cutter was swung at and popped up shallow left field.

  • In another, a perfectly located pitch on a 3-2 count resulted in a strikeout.

A Season of Notable Events

This early-season performance comes on the heels of a landmark 2025 season where Raleigh hit an MLB-leading 60 home runs. The abrupt change in form has prompted speculation, with some suggesting a potential "WBC hangover" or lingering effects from a reported tiff with teammate Randy Arozarena.

  • A confrontation with Arozarena preceded the Mariners' season.

  • Arozarena later issued a statement calling Raleigh his "brother" and apologizing for the incident.

  • Raleigh's response to the situation appeared to be a pivot in his approach, including a refusal to acknowledge opposing players.

While Raleigh managed to snap his home run drought in a lengthy battle with Rangers pitcher Jacob deGrom, the broader offensive output for the Mariners' key hitters, including Raleigh, remains a point of concern. The team's lineup, which boasted a combined 128 homers from its second through fifth hitters in 2025, is reportedly still "struggling to hit stride."

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is Cal Raleigh struggling at the plate in the 2026 season?
Cal Raleigh is having an uncharacteristic slump in the early 2026 season, with his batting average dipping below the Mendoza line. This is a noticeable change from his 2025 performance where he hit 60 home runs.
Q: How is Cal Raleigh's slump affecting the Seattle Mariners?
The Mariners' offense is struggling to find its rhythm, especially with key hitters like Raleigh not performing at their best. This is concerning as the team relies on their power hitting to win games.
Q: What happened between Cal Raleigh and Randy Arozarena before the season?
Cal Raleigh had a reported disagreement with teammate Randy Arozarena before the 2026 season began. Arozarena later apologized, calling Raleigh his 'brother'.
Q: When did Cal Raleigh hit his first home run of the 2026 season?
Cal Raleigh ended his home run drought in a long at-bat against Rangers pitcher Jacob deGrom. This was a notable moment amidst his early-season struggles.