Cal Raleigh, Nick Kurtz, and Spencer Torkelson: Patience or Panic?
The 2026 MLB season has presented several players with significant challenges. Among them are Cal Raleigh of the Seattle Mariners, Nick Kurtz of the Oakland Athletics, and Spencer Torkelson of the Detroit Tigers. This article evaluates their early struggles and offers insights for fantasy baseball managers.
Cal Raleigh: Seattle Mariners Catcher in Trouble
Cal Raleigh, the catcher for the Seattle Mariners, is experiencing a difficult start this season. His current batting line stands at .132/.233/.184, with only two doubles, four RBIs, and a disappointing .417 OPS. These figures translate to a below-average 34 wRC+, indicating that he is not performing well compared to the league.
This season, Raleigh has been striking out at an alarming rate of 46.5%, which leads the majors. His previous best strikeout percentage was 26.7% in 2025, emphasizing the severity of his decline. Furthermore, his HardHit% has plummeted to 11.1%, marking the largest drop in baseball when compared to the previous year.
Despite these alarming statistics, there is reason for cautious optimism. Historically, Raleigh has been a slow starter, with career numbers of .210/.306/.440 in March and April. While a revival to his MVP-caliber performance seems unlikely, Raleigh can still contribute to both the Mariners and fantasy teams as the season progresses.
Nick Kurtz: Year Two Blues
Nick Kurtz, who was the 2025 AL Rookie of the Year, is now facing a sophomore slump. Currently, he holds a slash line of .148/.361/.185, resulting in a .546 OPS and an 80 wRC+. His performance has resulted in only four hits, all singles, and a concerning rise in his strikeout percentage from 30.9% in 2025 to 38.9% in 2026.
Additional metrics indicate a worrying trend for Kurtz, with a ground ball percentage of 46.2% compared to a fly ball percentage of just 23.1%. However, he still possesses the potential for a turnaround, as reflected in his 79th percentile Average Exit Velocity and 87th percentile Barrel%. Kurtz’s BB% has also improved significantly, indicating he is still seeing the ball well.
The verdict for Kurtz is to remain patient. History shows that he can bounce back, having posted a 1.002 OPS during his rookie season. It may take time, but Kurtz’s skills suggest he is still capable of returning to form.
Spencer Torkelson: The First Overall Pick’s Struggles
Spencer Torkelson, the former first overall draft pick, is also encountering a rough patch in 2026. His current numbers are concerning: a .172/.294/.241 line with a .535 OPS and a 64 wRC+. Torkelson has seen a 6.4% increase in his strikeout rate, alongside a decrease in HardHit% and average exit velocity.
Despite these setbacks, Torkelson possesses two notable strengths—his exceptional Launch Angle Sweet-Spot% and an improved Chase%. These metrics demonstrate his potential to turn things around if he can improve his contact rates. His 14.7 BB% also shows that he is developing better plate discipline.
For Torkelson, the advice is to stay the course. As the season progresses, one good game can dramatically alter his statistics. Although he started with a .379 OPS, he managed to boost that number significantly after a strong performance recently. Keeping a close watch on his development will be crucial.
Key Takeaways
- Cal Raleigh is struggling with a .132 batting average and leads the majors in strikeouts.
- Nick Kurtz has only four hits this season, but his underlying metrics show potential for recovery.
- Spencer Torkelson, while also struggling, has the tools needed to improve his performance.
As the season unfolds, fantasy managers should monitor these players closely and be prepared to react based on their performances. Early struggles can sometimes lead to fruitful rebounds, making patience a valuable strategy.
