Cal Raleigh has led the major leagues this season with 39 home runs, establishing himself as the standout hitter for the Seattle Mariners. His ongoing contributions have been pivotal in the Mariners’ playoff push, highlighted by his clutch performance in their recent 1-0 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers.
Clutch Home Run Secures Tight Victory Over Brewers
On Tuesday, Raleigh delivered a crucial solo home run in the bottom of the sixth inning, which ultimately provided the only run in a narrow win for Seattle. This decisive hit reinforced his role as a key offensive weapon for the Mariners, often producing in high-pressure moments.
Expert Recognition Compares Raleigh to Top MLB Stars
MLB Network Radio analyst Xavier Scruggs praised Raleigh’s performance, comparing him to elite players Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani. Scruggs highlighted Raleigh’s exceptional plate coverage and keen awareness, qualities that set him apart in the league.
“Look, there’s nobody in the game, maybe Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani, that have the same plate coverage that Cal Raliegh has. Just the plate awareness, but also the plate coverage, is just different for him.”
—Xavier Scruggs, MLB Analyst
“It’s those at-bats, and those clutch situations, in which we’ve seen Cal Raleigh do it time and time again. 39 home runs, but to me, the biggest thing is, he’s been so clutch with a lot of those home runs.”
—Xavier Scruggs, MLB Analyst
Scruggs also emphasized Raleigh’s essential role in keeping the Mariners competitive in the wild card race this season. Raleigh’s efforts have often carried the team during challenging stretches.
“That’s why they (Mariners) are in an opportunity for the wildcard, that’s why the Mariners offense seems like they can go a bit. It’s mostly because of what he (Cal Raleigh) has been able to do. He was able to basically put the team on his back yesterday, against a really tough Brewers team who had won 11 in a row.”
—Xavier Scruggs, MLB Analyst
Teammate Bryan Woo Amazed by Raleigh’s Historic Season
The extent of Raleigh’s impact has even left his Mariners teammates in awe. Pitcher Bryan Woo expressed his astonishment at Raleigh’s continued offensive dominance in a recent interview with ESPN.
“”At the beginning of the year, it was like, ‘All right, he is off to a great start.’ And then he just kept going and it was like, ‘Wow, this is pretty cool.’ And then it was like, ‘Holy s**t, he’s going off.’ And now it’s kind of just like, ‘What is going on?’ Over the last month, I feel like everybody realized it’s a historic season.”
—Bryan Woo, Mariners Pitcher
“It’s not just a really good one or one of the best in the league – it’s something that’s never been done. At this point, most guys are just kind of looking at each other every time he hits a homer or has a really good game. We don’t really know what to make of it. We’re kind of just as dumbfounded as all the fans are.”
—Bryan Woo, Mariners Pitcher
Both Raleigh and Woo were named All-Stars for their outstanding performance during the season’s first half. Their continued excellence will be critical as the Mariners push for a postseason berth in the coming months.
Impact on Mariners’ Playoff Aspirations and Future Outlook
Cal Raleigh’s historic power surge has not only boosted the Mariners’ offensive potential but also provided renewed hope for the team‘s playoff ambitions. His ability to perform consistently in crucial moments strengthens Seattle’s position in a competitive wild card race. As the season progresses, Raleigh’s role as a leader both on and off the field will be a key factor in determining the Mariners’ chances of reaching the postseason.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why is Cal Raleigh the big dumper?
A. Raleigh seems like he’d fit well in a casual league, holding a beer, instead of participating in a photo session. His impressive backside, however, gained attention. Teammate Jarred Kelenic gave Raleigh his nickname when he was squatting during practice in the minors.