Baseball Hits 26 Mobile Game Featuring Mariners' Cal Raleigh Now Open for Pre-Registration

Ares Interactive's new arcade-style baseball game aims to bring quick, accessible mobile gameplay to sports fans.

Feb. 16, 2026 at 6:31pm by Ben Kaplan

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Ares Interactive has officially opened pre-registration for Baseball Hits 26, a new mobile baseball game featuring Seattle Mariners All-Star catcher Cal Raleigh on the cover. Scheduled for launch in 2026, the game is officially licensed by MLB Players, Inc. and is designed as a free-to-play mobile sports experience focused on arcade-style gameplay tailored for short mobile sessions.

Why it matters

The mobile gaming market continues to grow, with sports titles consistently ranking among the most popular genres. Baseball Hits 26 taps into this trend by offering quick, accessible baseball gameplay on the go, while still incorporating strategic elements like team-based competition, roster collection, and live season events.

The details

Developed by 7th Inning, a San Francisco-based studio founded by Ares Interactive, Baseball Hits 26 utilizes motion-capture animations, realistic ball physics, and player ratings inspired by real MLB athletes. The game aims to balance arcade-style action with deeper strategic mechanics, drawing on the team's experience with the MLB Tap Sports Baseball series.

  • Baseball Hits 26 is scheduled for launch in 2026.
  • Pre-registration for the game is currently open on the App Store and Google Play.

The players

Ares Interactive

The parent company of 7th Inning and the publisher of Baseball Hits 26. Ares Interactive recently secured $70 million in funding to support the launch of the game and expand its operations.

7th Inning

The San Francisco-based studio developing Baseball Hits 26, comprised of veterans from the MLB Tap Sports Baseball franchise.

Cal Raleigh

The Seattle Mariners All-Star catcher who is featured as the cover athlete for Baseball Hits 26.

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What they’re saying

“The goal was to capture the split-second timing and decision-making of baseball in a mobile format. The game aims to be faster and more accessible than traditional simulations, while still maintaining a sense of authenticity and rewarding strategic play.”

— Michael Saperstein, Director of Engineering at 7th Inning

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, Grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

Pre-registration for Baseball Hits 26 offers players exclusive rewards, including a rare Cal Raleigh player card, in-game currency, and a platform-specific badge. This approach supports the game's live-service model and encourages early community engagement.

The takeaway

Baseball Hits 26 represents the continued growth of the mobile gaming market, particularly in the sports genre. By blending arcade-style gameplay with strategic depth and featuring a popular MLB player, the game aims to provide a quick and engaging baseball experience tailored for on-the-go mobile play.