Cal Raleigh Addresses Elephant in the Room for Mariners

This blog post takes a look at Cal Raleigh’s outlook for the 2026 season after he broke the Mariners’ single-season home run record for a catcher with 60 homers. It digs into how he wants to turn that power into something lasting—through discipline, defense, and smarter game management. There’s also a bit about how new tools like the ABS Challenge System might shake up his approach behind the plate and on the mound, as Seattle eyes another deep playoff run.

Cal Raleigh’s 60-Homer Season Sets the Bar for 2026

Raleigh heads into 2026 with expectations through the roof, but he’s not getting hung up on chasing another 60-homer year. He’s said more than once that he’s after consistency, small improvements, and keeping his body fresh during the long haul.

Pitchers adjust fast in this league, and Raleigh knows it. He’s focused on making his own tweaks—especially to how he handles pitches at the bottom of the strike zone—so he stays dangerous without pressing.

Last season changed how teams deal with him. Raleigh got 20 intentional walks between the regular season and playoffs, which says a lot about how much opponents respect his bat in big moments.

He also walked a career-high 97 times, good for a 13.8% walk rate, putting him near the top of the league. That mix of power and patience? It’s a big part of how he tries to control the game on his own terms.

Off the stat sheet, Raleigh doubles down on daily discipline and making a difference for the team. He talks about working on the “small things”—better pitch selection, more productive at-bats, and being a steadying force for the pitching staff.

The Mariners count on his leadership and reliability at the heart of their lineup. In a tough AL West, that matters a lot.

Hitting approach and plate discipline

• Raleigh knows pitchers will adjust after last season, so he’s planning some targeted tweaks to keep them guessing.
• He’s focusing on hitting pitches at the bottom of the strike zone, aiming for more contact and leverage without losing power.
• He’s using walks as a weapon—last year’s high walk rate and nearly 100 walks show that patience pays off, both for runs and for staying sharp through the season.
• Staying ready for 162 games means he’s putting in the work on conditioning and recovery, so he doesn’t wear down.
• He tries to balance his swing decisions, especially late in games against tough relievers, and avoids over-swinging.

Raleigh wants to manage each game better, using his experience to guide pitchers, get the most out of the lineup, and take advantage of situations at the plate. He’s not just chasing stats—he’s looking to make a difference every day with quality at-bats, smart baserunning, and clutch execution when it counts.

Defensive growth and the ABS Challenge System

Raleigh isn’t coasting after taking home the 2024 Platinum Glove as the American League’s top defender, no matter the position. He’s still working on framing, receiving, and pitch-calling to give Seattle’s pitchers every possible edge.

The 2026 season brings a twist: the Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) Challenge System. This tool lets Raleigh challenge ball calls he’s sure should’ve been strikes.

That’s a big shift. Suddenly, catching isn’t just about reacting—now there’s a tactical angle, and Raleigh has to think on his feet about strike zones and pitcher management in real time.

The ABS system could push him to make more purposeful mound visits when it matters. He might adjust faster to hitters’ timing, and he’s got a better shot at guiding Seattle’s younger arms through tough sequences.

As other teams try to counter his offensive game, Raleigh’s focus doesn’t really change. He keeps leaning into preparation, game management, and defense—that’s still the core of what Seattle’s trying to build.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Seattle Mariners’ Cal Raleigh addresses elephant in room