The Seattle Mariners have not received much production from the catcher position in 2021. The position has produced a disappointing .199/.270/.381 batting line, hitting 16 homers, but doing little else with the bat. Most of their value has been on the defensive side, but for a team that is dead last in the American League in every triple slash category, more production is needed from virtually every position.
That may be about to happen behind the plate. According to reports, the Mariners may be set to promote top prospect Cal Raleigh as part of a wave of prospects that will head to the majors in the coming days.
Sources indicated that both players packed their bags quickly and left the stadium
— Ryan Divish (@RyanDivish) July 11, 2021
Seager was a scratch from the lineup tonight and Raleigh was always trending toward joining the Mariners at some point. https://t.co/jLewtjRBnf
Seattle Mariners hoping Cal Raleigh can provide spark
It is a bit strange that Raleigh would be heading to the majors with just one game left before the All Star Break. Perhaps this is an injury situation, or the Mariners want to get him to Seattle as soon as possible to work with him and have him learn the different pitchers during that time off.
Raleigh was destined to reach the majors in short order regardless. He had been hammering Triple-A pitching to that point, producing a .320/.374/.600 batting line with nine homers and 20 doubles. He had also been impressive behind the plate, throwing out 31% of would be basestealers.
Although there may be questions about whether or not his larger frame and somewhat limited mobility will allow him to remain behind the plate, Raleigh has been a solid defensive catcher. He has reportedly been able to establish an excellent rapport with the pitching staff wherever he has been, and has exceptional framing skills. There is plenty of strength in his arm, but the Mariners’ organizational philosophy of having their catchers on one knee hinders that aspect of his game to a degree.
Offensively, Raleigh is a rarity as a switch hitting catcher with power. He typically puts the ball in the air, allowing his raw power to play up further. He had been considered a bat first catcher when he was initially drafted, and his production in the minors certainly has not changed perceptions of his future offensive ability.
Now it seems as though he will get the chance to prove himself at the major league level. The Mariners do need more offensive capability in their lineup, especially as they are surprisingly in the hunt for a playoff berth. If nothing else, bringing Raleigh to the majors will give the team a chance to assess their future, and see if the rebuild is close to being complete.
The Seattle Mariners are reportedly set to bring Cal Raleigh to the majors. This promotion should be the start of a wave of prospects heading to Seattle.