Cal Raleigh’s Return to Seattle Mariners: How His Move Could Reshape the 2024 Season

The Seattle Mariners’ lineup just gained one of the most impactful hitters in baseball, as Cal Raleigh’s return from injury reshapes the team’s playoff push.

According to Yahoo Sports senior MLB analysts Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman, Raleigh’s comeback—expected as early as mid-July—marks a turning point for a Mariners offense that has struggled without him. The left-handed slugger, who missed nearly three months with a shoulder injury, is projected to bat .280 with 25 home runs this season, numbers that would vault him into the top five in MLB power rankings.

Why Raleigh’s Return Could Swing the Mariners’ Playoff Hopes

Raleigh’s absence has left a void in Seattle’s lineup, particularly in the three-hole where he typically bats. Through June 16, the Mariners ranked 24th in MLB in offensive runs per game (3.8), a stark contrast to their 2025 preseason projections, which had them targeting the top five. "His bat alone adds 10 to 15 runs per season," Mintz said. "That’s the difference between making the playoffs and watching from home."

The analysts note that Raleigh’s return coincides with a critical stretch for the Mariners. With the American League West tightening—Houston, Oakland, and Texas all within five games of Seattle—the team can ill afford further offensive slumps. Raleigh’s speed and power could also force opposing pitchers to adjust their strategies, potentially opening lanes for Seattle’s younger hitters like Jarred Kelenic and Julio Rodríguez.

How the Mariners’ Lineup Shifts Without (and With) Raleigh

Before Raleigh’s injury, the Mariners’ projected lineup featured him as the cleanup hitter, batting behind Kelenic and ahead of center fielder Ty France. His absence forced manager Scott Servais to shuffle the order, with France often sliding into the three-hole—a move that has yielded mixed results. "France is a great player, but he’s not a lefty power bat like Raleigh," Shusterman said. "That’s a hole the Mariners can’t afford to leave open for long."

With Raleigh’s return, the Mariners’ batting order could revert to its original design, placing him in the three-hole and restoring balance to their lineup. The analysts project this adjustment could improve Seattle’s on-base percentage by 5% or more, a critical metric for a team that has relied heavily on its pitching staff to carry the load.

What Happens Next: Timeline and Expectations

Raleigh’s rehabilitation has progressed faster than initially expected, with team sources telling Yahoo Sports he could suit up as soon as July 12. The Mariners have already begun integrating him into light batting practice, and his first official at-bats are anticipated within the next two weeks.

If Raleigh meets expectations, the Mariners’ playoff chances could surge. The team currently sits at 38-32, five games behind Houston in the AL West. With 50 games remaining, every run matters—and Raleigh’s bat could deliver the margin of difference.