Mariners' Cal Raleigh Struggles Early in 2026 Season

Star slugger's slow start raises concerns about maintaining previous success

Apr. 12, 2026 at 3:25am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fractured, multi-perspective painting in a cubist style, using sharp geometric planes and vibrant colors to conceptually represent the Mariners' offensive woes and Cal Raleigh's early-season struggles.A cubist interpretation of the Mariners' offensive struggles, with star slugger Cal Raleigh's performance deconstructed into a dynamic, geometric display.Seattle Today

The Seattle Mariners' 2026 season has gotten off to a rough start, with the team's best hitters, including star catcher Cal Raleigh, struggling mightily. Raleigh, who set a franchise record with 60 home runs in 2025, is hitting just .143 with one homer and 21 strikeouts through the first 13 games. The entire Mariners lineup is batting a paltry .184, putting the team in the cellar of the standings at 4-9.

Why it matters

Raleigh's early slump is a major concern for the Mariners, who narrowly missed the playoffs in each of the past two seasons. The team's offensive struggles have exacerbated the issue, raising questions about whether Raleigh can maintain the level of production that made him one of the game's elite power hitters in 2025.

The details

Raleigh's struggles are not limited to his own performance - the Mariners' 2-3-4-5 hitters are batting a combined .133. The team was recently swept in Texas, scoring just three runs over three games. Raleigh's issues against left-handed pitching are also a concern, as his numbers have dropped significantly from his 2025 campaign.

  • Through the first 13 games of the 2026 season
  • In 2025, Raleigh hit 60 home runs, a franchise record

The players

Cal Raleigh

The Mariners' star catcher, who set a franchise record with 60 home runs in 2025.

Seattle Mariners

The MLB team that plays in Seattle, Washington.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

It is still early in the season, and there is time for the Mariners to turn things around. The team will look to Raleigh and the rest of their struggling hitters to find their groove and start producing at the plate.

The takeaway

Raleigh's early-season struggles are a major concern for the Mariners, who are hoping their star catcher can regain the form that made him one of the game's elite power hitters in 2025. The team's overall offensive woes have exacerbated the issue, but there is still time for the Mariners to turn things around and make a push for the playoffs.