Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh admitted he’s “awful” after another loss, as the team struggles to find consistency amid a four-game losing streak.
Raleigh’s humbling admission came after the Seattle Mariners dropped their fifth straight game, a 4-1 loss to the New York Yankees on Tuesday. We’re not playing well. That starts with me. I’m awful.
Raleigh’s comments followed a night where the Mariners managed just three hits, including a solo home run by Randy Arozarena in the sixth inning. The catcher, who carries a .159 batting average with 12 home runs and 43 RBIs through 86 games, said, We’re just playing very, very, very bad baseball in every facet of the game.
He cited off-balance swings and a lack of “execution” as key issues.
The Mariners’ struggles extend beyond Raleigh. Their bullpen faltered in the seventh inning, allowing four runs after starter Bryan Woo pitched five scoreless innings. Manager Dan Wilson acknowledged the team’s inconsistency on offense, adding, We need to find that consistency.
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Raleigh, however, refused to deflect. I’m the worst of the group right now,
he said, acknowledging his role in the team’s woes. He called for a shift in approach, urging hitters to take singles and not try for the long ball every time. The Mariners, now eight games below .500 (56-64), are 14-5 in their last 19 games.
Raleigh’s current struggles contrast sharply with his 2025 season, when he hit 60 home runs and finished second to Aaron Judge in the MVP race. His 2026 performance has drawn scrutiny, with fans and analysts questioning whether the World Baseball Classic (WBC) impacted his timing. At the end of the day, was it harder to get at-bats? Yes,
Raleigh admitted to USA Today, though he refused to blame the WBC outright.
The Mariners’ patience may be wearing thin. Raleigh is under team control through 2030, with a $20 million vesting option for 2031. His current slash line—.159/.264/.299—falls far short of his 2025 numbers (.271/.368/.540). Nothing’s given to you,
Raleigh said. We have to go take it.
Cal Raleigh discusses Mariners' struggles after loss to Yankees
Raleigh’s comments come amid reports of off-field friction, including a public feud with teammate Randy Arozarena over a handshake. While the catcher denied the incident affected his play, critics argue his leadership has faltered. You have to put your pride aside,
Raleigh said, acknowledging his role in the team’s energy deficit.
The Mariners, who were a game away from going to the World Series last year, now face a critical stretch. Raleigh’s ability to rebound could determine whether the team salvages its season or spirals further. It’s tough when things aren’t going your way,
he said. You feel like everybody’s against you.
Raleigh’s career-worst performance through the first half of 2026 has drawn scrutiny, with his .163 average and .566 OPS in over 300 plate appearances. His strikeout rate has skyrocketed to 31.7%, and he’s been worth -0.3 bWAR for an inconsistent Mariners team. This is the same Raleigh who hit 60 home runs and finished second in AL MVP voting last year. His career-worst numbers are not a byproduct of a summer slump, either. He’s been awful dating back to the World Baseball Classic, when he publicly feuded with Mariners teammate Randy Arozarena over a handshake, of all things.
Raleigh offered vague admissions about potential causes (like the WBC) while denying others. His inconsistent play and off-field friction now threaten both his role and the team’s outlook for the rest of the season. I’m not here to speculate and make excuses,
Raleigh said, dismissing the WBC as a factor. However, he later told Bob Nightengale that such a perspective is for everybody else to decide.
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Raleigh’s comments on the team’s approach—taking singles and not trying for the long ball every time—highlight a broader issue with their offensive strategy. When you rely on the long ball, you are going to get a lot of off-balance swings and be a little out front,
he said. Ultimately, the pitchers here are really good. You have to take what they give you. We are just not doing that right now.
Manager Dan Wilson’s decision to use Michael Rucker in the seventh inning drew second-guessing. Late to the heater and early on the offspeed.
Raleigh’s leadership has also come under fire. I’m not pointing fingers. Ultimately, I’m the worst of the group right now,
he said. Putting your pride aside, baseball players can be stubborn. You have to put your pride aside.
His comments reflect a growing frustration within the team, as the Mariners continue to search for consistency. We need to find that consistency on offense,
Wilson said, echoing Raleigh’s sentiment.
The Mariners’ playoff hopes remain slim, but Raleigh’s performance could still influence their trajectory. Raleigh’s ability to adjust his approach and regain his form will be critical in the final stretch of the season. It’s tough when things aren’t going your way,
he said. You feel like everybody’s against you.
Raleigh’s contract situation adds further pressure. Under team control through 2030, he has a $20 million vesting option for 2031. If his performance does not improve, the Mariners may reconsider his role on the team. Nothing’s given to you,
Raleigh said. We have to go take it.
For now, the Mariners are left to hope that their catcher can rediscover his form and lead them out of their slump.
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