Mariners' Raleigh to bring leadership presence to WBC

All-Star catcher will stay connected to team despite playing for Team USA

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Even though Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh is leaving the team to play for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic, his leadership presence will still be felt in the clubhouse. Raleigh plans to stay connected through FaceTime, text messages, and even controlling the music playlist remotely. His teammates joke that Raleigh will be monitoring everything that happens while he's gone, showing his strong sense of responsibility for the team's success.

Why it matters

Raleigh's leadership and involvement in all aspects of the team are crucial for the Mariners, who are looking to build on their division title and playoff appearance last season. His ability to stay connected and provide guidance even while playing for Team USA demonstrates his commitment to the Mariners and the respect he has earned from his teammates.

The details

Raleigh will be joining a loaded Team USA roster that is considered one of the favorites to win the WBC, along with the Dominican Republic and Japan. While excited for the opportunity, Raleigh was hesitant to leave his Mariners teammates for up to three weeks. He plans to stay involved by FaceTiming into meetings, demanding text updates, and even controlling the music playlist in the clubhouse remotely. Raleigh's teammates joke that he likely has cameras set up to monitor everything that happens in his absence.

  • Raleigh left the Mariners on March 2 to report to the Giants' minor-league complex where Team USA will work out before heading to Houston for pool play.
  • The World Baseball Classic runs from March 8 to March 21.

The players

Cal Raleigh

The Mariners' All-Star catcher who is leaving the team to play for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic.

Emerson Hancock

A Mariners pitcher who joked that Raleigh likely has cameras set up to monitor the team while he's away.

Logan Gilbert

A Mariners pitcher who knows Raleigh will be unhappy with his performance in a recent outing, even from afar.

Gabe Speier

A Mariners left-handed reliever who was also selected to play for Team USA with Raleigh.

J.P. Crawford

The Mariners shortstop who takes over the music playlist in the clubhouse around 9 a.m. after Raleigh's morning selections.

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What they’re saying

“I'm guessing Cal has figured out some way to control the stereo wherever he's at now.”

— Emerson Hancock, Mariners pitcher

“I told everybody that I'm gonna be FaceTiming and making sure I'm part of all these meetings and keeping tabs on them, so we'll see.”

— Cal Raleigh

“He probably has cameras everywhere to watch anyway.”

— Emerson Hancock, Mariners pitcher

“Honestly, just to be in that locker room with everybody. There are so many great players and so many great baseball minds on the coaching staff. It's really impressive the group that they put together.”

— Cal Raleigh

“He's one of the best left-handed relievers in the game. He's earned every bit of it. It's not come back from a tough year and an injury, and to have the kind of year he had last year, it says a lot about his character”

— Cal Raleigh

What’s next

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The takeaway

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