Cal Raleigh (39 HR) returns for the Mariners vs. Angels on July 24, 2025. Can MLB's home run leader power Seattle's playoff push against Yusei Kikuchi?
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
The thunder is back in the lineup. After a brief but necessary day off, Cal Raleigh—the man leading all of Major League Baseball with a staggering 39 home runs and 84 RBIs—returns to the heart of the Mariners' order tonight. His presence couldn't be more timely as Seattle (54-48) kicks off a pivotal four-game road trip against the Los Angeles Angels, looking to gain ground in the heated AL West playoff race.
Cal's been carrying a heavy load behind the plate and at the plate. We want him at his best down the stretch.
Let's be honest, the man earned it. After single-handedly snapping Milwaukee's 11-game winning streak with a titanic blast on Tuesday, manager Dan Wilson wisely gave his superstar catcher a breather in Wednesday's loss. 'We want him at his best down the stretch,' Wilson said, emphasizing the long game. It's a critical strategy. With a postseason berth very much in play, a healthy and powerful Raleigh is the single most important key to making a deep October run.
Tonight's series opener, broadcast nationally on MLBN, pits right-hander Logan Evans (3-3, 3.81 ERA) against a familiar face in Angels lefty Yusei Kikuchi (4-6, 3.13 ERA). While the M's look to start the road trip strong, they remain six games behind Houston in the division, making every game from here on out feel magnified. A series win is crucial. Keep an eye on J.P. Crawford, who continues to be a steady on-base machine with his .378 OBP, setting the table for the big bats behind him.
While the front office remained quiet on the transaction front Thursday, the farm system is making plenty of noise. Top infield prospect Michael Arroyo is absolutely tearing up Double-A, boasting a .953 OPS since his promotion. Meanwhile, 2025 first-round pick Kade Anderson impressed scouts with his command in his professional debut. And don't forget about catcher Harry Ford, who continues to mash in Triple-A and remains on track for a potential late-season call-up to spell Raleigh and provide another potent bat. The current team is good, and the next wave is coming.
With Raleigh rested, the rotation set, and the team focused, this series in Anaheim feels like a launching pad. The Mariners have the talent, the resilience praised by their manager, and a clear path to the postseason, currently holding a 65.8% chance. Now, it's about execution. Tonight, under the national spotlight, they have their first chance to prove they're ready to make their move.
