As the 2026 MLB season gets underway, all eyes in the Pacific Northwest have been on the plate, but not for the reasons fans hoped. Cal Raleigh's first 13 games have become a focal point for a Seattle Mariners team that entered the year with championship aspirations but has instead stumbled out of the gate. While it is still early in the marathon of a 162-game season, the offensive stagnation from Seattle’s biggest stars is raising questions about the team's consistency and ability to capitalize on their elite pitching staff.
Breaking Down Cal Raleigh's First 13 Games and Plate Discipline
The Mariners' offensive identity often starts and ends with their catcher. Known affectionately as "Big Dumper" for his clutch home runs and defensive leadership, Cal Raleigh has found the early weeks of 2026 to be a significant challenge. Through Cal Raleigh's first 13 games, the power numbers that Seattle relies on have been uncharacteristically absent. Raleigh has struggled to find his timing against high velocity, leading to an uptick in strikeout rates that has stalled several early-inning rallies.
Statistically, the breakdown of Raleigh's performance shows a dip in hard-hit percentage compared to his 2025 campaign. While his defensive work behind the dish remains elite—ranking near the top of the league in framing and run prevention—the Mariners need his bat to wake up to provide protection for the rest of the lineup. The concern isn't just the lack of home runs, but a broader struggle to put the ball in play during high-leverage situations.
Star Power Shortage: Rodriguez, Naylor, and Arozarena
Raleigh isn't the only one feeling the chill of a cold April. The Mariners’ projected "core four" have all faced significant hurdles during this opening stretch. Julio Rodriguez, the face of the franchise, has seen his batting average hover well below his career norms. Pitchers have been cautious with Rodriguez, often nibbling at the corners, and the superstar outfielder has occasionally expanded his zone in an attempt to spark the offense single-handedly.
The struggles extend to the team's major acquisitions and established veterans:
- Josh Naylor: Brought in to provide a veteran left-handed presence, Naylor has yet to find his rhythm in the Emerald City, struggling specifically with runners in scoring position.
- Randy Arozarena: Known for his postseason heroics and energetic play, Arozarena has been uncharacteristically quiet, failing to record an extra-base hit in several consecutive series.
- Team RISP: Collectively, the Mariners are currently ranked in the bottom third of the league in batting average with runners in scoring position.
Pitching Excellence Overshadowed by Offensive Woes
What makes the slow start particularly frustrating for the Seattle faithful is that the pitching staff has largely held up its end of the bargain. The Mariners' rotation continues to be one of the most formidable units in the American League, consistently giving the team quality starts. However, when the offense fails to provide more than two or three runs of support, the margin for error for the bullpen becomes razor-thin.
In several of Cal Raleigh's first 13 games, Seattle has lost by a single run, highlighting the disparity between their run prevention and run production. The pressure on the pitching staff to be perfect is unsustainable over a full season, and the team risks burning out its relief arms if the bats don't begin to provide some breathing room.
Is it Time to Panic in Seattle?
The internal consensus remains one of patience. The front office and coaching staff have pointed to the "small sample size" of the first two weeks as reason for calm. Historically, many of Seattle’s key hitters have been slow starters in cooler weather, and the underlying metrics suggest that some of the batted-ball luck should eventually even out. However, in a highly competitive AL West, every game matters, and the Mariners cannot afford to fall too far behind the pace set by rivals in Texas and Houston.
To turn the season around, the focus will remain on the leaders. If Cal Raleigh, Julio Rodriguez, and Josh Naylor can return to their career averages, the Mariners have the pitching depth to climb back into the division race quickly. For now, the team is searching for that one breakout performance that can serve as a catalyst for the rest of the roster.
Sources & Original Reporting
