Mariners' Cal Raleigh Sends Message After Retirement News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Jan 28, 2026 4:20 PM ET

The Seattle Mariners have a bright future as an organization, due in large part to how catcher Cal Raleigh has emerged as a legitimate American League MVP candidate.

The 29‑year‑old switch hitter elevated his game to another level in 2025, finishing runner‑up in AL MVP voting while earning his first All‑Star selection and a Gold Glove Award.

He also set the MLB single‑season record for home runs by both a catcher and a switch hitter, cementing himself as one of the most impactful players in baseball.

Raleigh helped lead Seattle to the ALCS, where the club came just one win shy of its first‑ever World Series appearance.

Across 159 games during the regular season, he posted a .247 batting average, .359 on‑base percentage, .948 OPS, an MLB‑best 60 home runs and an AL‑leading 125 RBIs.

Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh (29)© Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Off the field, Raleigh turned his attention to a different kind of legend this past week. He took a moment to acknowledge longtime Mariners broadcaster Rick Rizzs, who announced his retirement on Tuesday after more than four decades as one of the defining voices of the American League.

On his Instagram story, Raleigh shared the retirement news and added a message for Rizzs, who will be calling his final season in 2026. "One Last Ride with the Legend!" he wrote.

It was a nod to the respect he holds for Rizzs, whose voice has narrated nearly every major moment in franchise history.

For a player emerging as the face of Seattle’s future, Raleigh’s tribute underscored how deeply Rizzs’ presence has shaped the culture surrounding the Mariners.

Looking ahead, Raleigh will again be at the center of Seattle’s push to finally break through and reach the World Series.

The Mariners are positioned well to make another run, especially with Raleigh locked into a team‑friendly long‑term deal that gives the organization rare stability at a premium position.

His partnership with outfielder Julio Rodriguez forms one of the most dynamic homegrown duos in the league, and the club’s rotation remains one of the deepest groups in the American League.

With that core in place, Seattle enters 2026 as a legitimate threat in the AL West, and Raleigh’s continued ascent may be the factor that ultimately pushes them over the hump.

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

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