Cal Raleigh's on-field feats are well known. How he prepares for them is just as impressive

Cal Raleigh’s red-hot playoff form (7-for-16, .438) and 60-homer season give Seattle an offensive edge in Game 5. Punters might favor the Mariners’ moneyline or back the Over on total runs, and consider Raleigh anytime-RBI or home run props against Tarik Skubal.

Cal Raleigh: From "Big Dumper" to Playoff Titan

Cal Raleigh has evolved from a cult favorite to the cornerstone of the Seattle Mariners. After a 60-homer regular season that eclipsed Ken Griffey Jr.’s Seattle mark and broke Mickey Mantle’s switch-hitter record, Raleigh has become the most prominent figure on a deep Mariners roster. He also set a new single-season home run record for catchers, surpassing Salvador Perez’s 48 in 2021.

Historic Power Numbers and Accolades

Raleigh finished the regular season as the major-league home run leader, topped the American League in RBIs and posted a fWAR north of 9. He played 159 games with 121 starts behind the plate and earned a Platinum Glove for elite defensive work. Those figures underline a rare combination of offensive dominance and defensive reliability.

Playoff Form and Game 5 Stakes

Through four games of the ALDS, Raleigh is 7-for-16 (.438) with a homer, two runs scored and a 1.188 OPS—the highest batting average among playoff catchers. Seattle faces a win-or-go-home Game 5 in Seattle against Tarik Skubal and the Detroit Tigers, and Raleigh’s presence in the lineup is central to the Mariners’ hopes.

Durability, Preparation and the Grind Behind the Plate

Raleigh’s season wasn’t without physical cost. He has absorbed foul tips, a ball under his mask that hit his throat, a swollen finger and recurring elbow issues, and he’s played through broken teeth and a previously injured thumb. Despite the wear, he maintains an exhaustive daily routine: early arrivals, catchers’ meetings, cold-tub/hot-tub work, targeted strength and mobility sessions, switch-hitting batting practice, and in-depth film and scouting meetings with pitchers and coaches.

Pitch-Calling, Leadership and the Intangibles

Behind the plate Raleigh acts as a field general—calling roughly 150 pitches a night, managing a 13-person pitching staff, and tailoring his communication to each pitcher’s personality. His rapport with bullpen coach and catching instructor during pregame prep, and his detailed approach to scouting opponents, amplify his value beyond the box score.

Betting Implications and Game-Day Angles

Raleigh’s hot streak and Seattle’s home advantage tilt certain markets toward the Mariners. Consider these angles: - Team markets: Mariners moneyline is attractive in Game 5, especially if live reports show Skubal struggling with command. - Totals: Backing the Over can be sensible if both offenses remain active and Skubal’s control wavers. - Player props: Raleigh anytime-RBI or long-shot home run props are logical given his power and form. Always weigh pitching matchups, in-game injury updates, and starting pitchers’ recent command before placing wagers.

Final Take

Cal Raleigh is the pulse of the Mariners on both offense and defense. His relentless preparation, leadership and historic power output make him the player Seattle leans on in the most consequential moments. Whether fans are watching for franchise history or bettors are weighing odds in Game 5, Raleigh’s role makes him an unavoidable factor.

"It's probably four jobs," Mariners bullpen coach Tony Arnerich said. "I don’t think people realize how hard it is, what he’s doing."

Theathleticuk