Cal Raleigh, the Seattle Mariners' catcher known affectionately as "Big Dumper," is facing an unexpected and dramatic downturn in his performance during the 2026 MLB season. After a record-breaking year in 2025, where he showcased his talent and earned a close second place in the MVP race, Raleigh's current season has been marked by struggles that have left fans and analysts alike perplexed.
In the previous season, Raleigh had an impressive slash line of .247/.359/.589, culminating in a .948 OPS that ranked him fourth in Major League Baseball. He also made history by hitting 60 home runs and leading the American League with 125 RBIs. However, this year, his numbers have plummeted to alarming lows, with a current batting average of just .159 and an OPS of .564, the worst among players with at least 350 plate appearances. This drastic decline has raised questions about his performance and the potential impact on the Mariners, who currently hold a disappointing 56-64 record.
Raleigh's struggles are further highlighted by his home run and RBI totals. In stark contrast to last year's 60 home runs, he has managed only 12 so far this season, projecting to finish with just 17. His RBIs have also taken a hit, with only 43 to his name. The stark difference in his performance has led to a negative Wins Above Replacement (WAR) of -0.4, indicating that he has been a liability for the team this season.
After another hitless game against the New York Yankees, Raleigh candidly expressed his frustrations, stating, "It starts with me. I’m awful. It is what it is." This admission reflects the weight of expectations on his shoulders, especially after such a stellar previous season.
The reasons behind Raleigh's struggles seem multifaceted. His season began on a rough note with an 0-for-9 performance in the World Baseball Classic, followed by a staggering 0-for-38 slump in early May. An oblique injury that sidelined him for a month may have contributed to his difficulties, but his performance since returning has not improved significantly. A concerning drop in his hard-hit rate from 49.6% to 34.5% and an increase in his strikeout rate to 32% suggest that Raleigh is having trouble making solid contact.
Historically, such a fall from grace is not unheard of in baseball. The most notable comparison might be Hack Wilson of the Chicago Cubs, who experienced a similar decline in the 1920s. Wilson hit 56 home runs in one season but fell to just 13 the following year, prompting the Cubs to investigate the cause of his slump. While the Mariners have not resorted to such extreme measures, Raleigh's situation is certainly one that warrants attention as the team navigates the remainder of the season.
As the Mariners look to turn their season around, the performance of players like Cal Raleigh will be crucial. The team, which had high hopes entering the season, will need their star catcher to rediscover his form if they are to remain competitive in the American League.
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