Cal Raleigh made a statement in the Cactus League on Tuesday, launching his first homer of the season with authority. He took a first-pitch changeup from White Sox reliever Wikelman González and sent it soaring 427 feet to the left of center field at Peoria Stadium. The two-run shot tied the game at 3-3, leaving his bat at a blistering 107.4 mph and staying airborne for a remarkable 6.1 seconds.
Raleigh, gearing up to join Team USA in the World Baseball Classic, had a slow start to spring training, going 0-for-6 with three strikeouts and two walks. This phase of camp has seen him taking on a heavier workload, a necessity given his demanding role as a catcher over recent seasons.
"It's about being smart and getting your reps," Raleigh explained regarding his increased workload. "With Team USA, we'll have a few days of practice and games, but it's up to each guy and their team to prepare."
Having committed to Team USA last July, Raleigh stands as one of two catchers on the roster, alongside the Dodgers’ Will Smith. He's set to depart by the end of the month, eager to contribute in the short but intense tournament.
"It's about who's hot," Raleigh noted. "You don't have a whole season, just a few pool games, so it's about who's ready and has the hot hand."
Raleigh has been maximizing his at-bats in live batting practice, facing off against Seattle's top pitching prospects, Kade Anderson and Ryan Sloan. He’s also making the most of Cactus League games to sharpen his skills, emphasizing the importance of building strength from behind the plate.
The World Baseball Classic offers Raleigh another platform to showcase his talents. "They've done a great job involving a lot of people," he said. "It's a global event, great for the game, with lots of exciting matchups."
Raleigh's blast on Tuesday could be the first of many in a 2026 season poised for big moments. Following a historic 2025 where he smashed 60 homers, setting records for catchers and switch-hitters, Raleigh is looking to build on his success. He even claimed the T-Mobile Home Run Derby title, finishing the year with 70 homers when including Cactus and postseason play.
Despite his personal achievements, Raleigh remains focused on team goals, particularly after the Mariners' narrow loss in Game 7 of last year’s AL Championship Series.
"It was a great year," Raleigh reflected. "You appreciate everything that happened, but this year brings new challenges."
Seattle fans share Raleigh’s excitement, turning out in record numbers for spring training in Arizona. The Mariners set a single-game attendance record for their Cactus opener, a testament to the fans' enthusiasm.
"People are excited," Raleigh said. "Seattle fans love their sports teams, especially when they're doing well. We're just trying to give them more of that and something they deserve."