Cal Raleigh’s Frigid Performance with Mariners Causes Growing Concern
The Seattle offense entered the season with high hopes. Last year the team posted a .740 OPS, 10th in MLB.
Through 20 games this year, the Mariners sit at 8-12. Their team OPS is down to .651, ranked 25th.
Early leaders and mounting concerns
Luke Raley has provided unexpected offense. His 1.002 OPS leads the club.
But many regulars have cooled considerably. The situation has raised growing concern about the lineup.
Cal Raleigh’s slump examined
Cal Raleigh’s production has regressed sharply. He follows a season listed at 7.4 rWAR and an AL MVP runner-up finish.
This year his OPS sits at .539. His contact and power numbers have dropped notably.
Plate-discipline and strike metrics
Some peripherals show modest changes. His chase, whiff, and strikeout rates have risen.
| Metric | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Chase% | 31.8% | 35.9% |
| Whiff% | 31.5% | 34.4% |
| K% | 26.7% | 33.7% |
Contact quality and exit metrics
His average exit velocity has fallen to 83.1 mph. His hard-hit rate is down to 26.1%.
Those figures align more with speedy, softer-contact hitters than power batters. This erosion has impacted results.
- Career average: .224.
- Career slugging: .477.
- Career walk rate: 10.8%.
Fastball-specific breakdown
Fastballs have been especially problematic this season. His numbers against four-seam heaters have deteriorated.
| Stat vs 4-seam | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| BA | .230 | .115 |
| SLG | .594 | .269 |
| Whiff% | 26.4% | 47.1% |
| Hard-hit% | 52.4% | 27.3% |
Of Raleigh’s 60 home runs last year, 39 came off fastballs. This year he is struggling to square those pitches.
Measured bat speed has dipped only 0.6 mph. Small changes in stance have been noted, but their impact is unclear.
Context and outlook
Last season Raleigh had a similar slow opening. After nine games his OPS was .539.
By game 20 that year, his OPS rose to .895. He hit seven home runs and three doubles in that stretch.
Analysts have noticed the current trend. In a breakdown for Filmogaz.com, David Schoenfield called the start worrisome but not definitive.
The pitching staff has also had setbacks this season. Even steady arms suffered at least one calamitous outing.
With 142 games remaining, the sample is small. The Mariners must find adjustments and consistent offense.
Cal Raleigh’s frigid performance has become a focal point. The team needs improvements against fastballs and more reliable production overall.
