Mariners’ Cal Raleigh Makes Off-Field Announcement Amid MLB Season

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Apr 16, 2026 6:53 PM ET

The Seattle Mariners are off to a disappointing start to open the 2026 MLB season, entering Thursday’s game against the San Diego Padres with an 8-11 record, tied for last in the American League West.

Part of the reason for their struggles is that superstar Cal Raleigh is off to a slow start at the plate. The 29-year-old switch-hitting catcher has collected just 11 hits in his first 73 at-bats, along with just two home runs. Still, the season is just getting started, and Raleigh is clearly capable of much more.

That was evident last year when he hit 60 home runs to lead MLB, while also setting new records for most in Mariners history, most by a switch-hitter in a single season and most by a catcher in a single season.

Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh (29)© Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

Because of that track record, Raleigh is absolutely a player who can turn things around quickly. He has also continued to grow his profile off the field as one of the faces of baseball.

Last season, he partnered with Franklin Sports, the official batting glove partner of MLB, and has since received multiple signature products. On Thursday, ahead of the series finale against the Padres, Raleigh announced that he and Franklin Sports collaborated on a new exclusive batting glove dropping in less than a week.

“Big power leaves a mark. @calraleigh Limited Edition Batting Gloves. Dropping 4.22,” the caption read. The post included a series of photos showing Raleigh wearing the unique new gloves while in Seattle’s home uniform, with the design matching the team’s color scheme.

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As Raleigh gets a gear upgrade, he is hoping he can start putting it to use soon and help power the Mariners back into the team they believe they can be.

Just five months ago, this group was battling for a World Series berth, and Raleigh was at the center of that run.

Raleigh remains the right player to lead the charge as a one-time All-Star, Platinum Glove winner and Silver Slugger recipient. The Mariners need his bat to wake up, and they are confident it is only a matter of time before he finds his stride again.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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