The Seattle Mariners have enjoyed exceptional returns since signing Cal Raleigh to a six-year contract extension before this season. Raleigh has elevated his performance in his fifth Major League Baseball campaign, delivering a career-best power surge that is turning heads across the league. His recent two-run home run late in Seattle’s 5-3 victory against the Houston Astros underscores his booming form.

Currently tied for the MLB lead with 17 home runs, Raleigh is on track for a personal best of 55 homers. His overall offensive stats have also improved, with a .258 batting average, a .373 on-base percentage, and an impressive .967 OPS, all marking career highs to date.

The evolution of Raleigh’s hitting approach this season

One of the most striking developments this season is Raleigh’s newfound power from the right side of the plate. Previously more effective as a left-handed hitter, the former third-round draft pick is now nearly as dangerous batting right-handed. He boasts a .293 average with a .994 OPS and six home runs in just 58 at-bats on that side, outshining his left-handed performance in some key power measures.

From the left side, Raleigh holds a .242 batting average with 11 home runs over 124 at-bats, accompanied by a higher on-base percentage of .387 compared to .339 from the right. However, the quality of his hitting right-handed has shown remarkable growth compared to his first four seasons, where he hit only .202 with a .271 OBP and a .679 OPS from that side.

Analyst highlights Raleigh’s unprecedented dual-side power

Jordan Shusterman of Yahoo Sports noted the rarity of catchers leading the league in home runs, emphasizing how exceptional Raleigh’s breakthrough is.

“Catchers are not supposed to be leading baseball in home runs,”

Shusterman said.

“That’s not supposed to be part of their game really at any point. And while we’ve seen him hit thirty home runs or close to it each of the last three seasons, I mean, the pace he’s on right now is ridiculous.”

Shusterman also pointed out the prior imbalance in Raleigh’s switch-hitting, saying,

“I would say there’s so many things you can talk about with Cal Raleigh’s progression, but normally (with) switch-hitters it’s pretty lopsided. You have one side that is producing a lot more than the other, and early in his career, that was the case with him too. You really only felt like he was able to do damage lefty.”

This season’s metrics reveal Raleigh is pulling the ball and making hard contact much more often as a right-handed hitter. His pull rate rose to 57.9%, up from 47.3% in previous years, while his hard-hit rate increased to 39.5% compared to 31.4%. Significantly, his home run rate on fly balls from the right side stands at an extraordinary 37.5%, more than double his prior best of 18.3% from last year.

Showcasing power from both sides during critical games

Raleigh’s enhanced right-handed hitting ability was clear during a key moment in Seattle’s recent series-clinching win over the Chicago White Sox. He managed to pull a changeup thrown away from the plate into a home run to left field, underscoring his improved bat control and strength from that side.

“He has managed to continue hitting a lot of huge home runs right-handed, which earlier in his career I never really thought would be a massive part of his game,”

Shusterman added, emphasizing Raleigh’s newfound versatility and power.

Seattle Mariners’ broader outlook amidst Raleigh’s rise

As Raleigh continues his career-best power surge in the MLB season, the Seattle Mariners are dealing with additional roster dynamics and team developments. The Mariners recently activated pitcher George Kirby from the injured list, adding fresh depth to their rotation while sending an option reliever to the minors. These moves come as Seattle turns attention toward maintaining its competitive edge in the American League West, where prospects are offering hope for sustained success.

Raleigh’s offensive breakout complements Seattle’s overall momentum, positioning the team as a formidable competitor fighting for postseason positioning. His ability to contribute power from both sides of the plate not only expands Seattle’s lineup options but also elevates expectations for future seasons.