Seattle Mariners Blame WBC for Cal Raleigh’s Season Struggles

Seattle Mariners are pointing to the World Baseball Classic as a major factor in Cal Raleigh’s continued slump, a narrative that gained urgency after the club fell 7‑2 to the Tampa Bay Rays on July 10, 2026, dropping to a 47‑48 record and a four‑game losing streak that sits them sixth in the American League.

How did the WBC affect Cal Raleigh?

Manny Acta, the Mariners’ bench coach, told MLB Now that Raleigh tried to make up for missed spring‑training reps by over‑exerting himself in the WBC. The extra innings and travel apparently aggravated a lingering right oblique strain, which first landed him on the injured list on May 14. Even after returning on June 16, his slash line sits at .168/.266/.315 with a .581 OPS in 62 games, far below the MVP‑caliber numbers that earned him second‑place voting last season.

Why is the Mariners’ season suffering?

The Mariners entered 2026 with World Series hopes after a Game 7 ALCS loss last year, but a three‑game sweep by the Miami Marlins pushed them to .500 and a half‑game behind the Texas Rangers. The recent loss to the Rays extended a four‑game skid, leaving Seattle 6th in the AL. The team’s offense has sputtered; Raleigh’s seven doubles and nine homers are the only bright spots in a lineup that has struggled to generate runs without its former MVP catcher.

What do analysts say about the WBC’s impact?

ESPN insider Buster Olney, on the Refuse to Lose podcast, noted that several clubs—Mariners, Royals, Red Sox, Blue Jays—see a dip in performance from players who competed in the international tournament. He argued that hitters thrive on routine, and the WBC disrupted spring‑training schedules, leaving players like Raleigh “out of habit” when the regular season began.

Can Raleigh rebound after the All‑Star break?

Acta insists the oblique injury is now behind Raleigh, and a refreshed catcher could regain form in the second half. If he returns to his 2025 MVP pace, Seattle’s offense could snap the losing streak and climb out of the AL’s lower tier. The next series against the AL East‑leading Rays will be a litmus test for both Raleigh’s health and the Mariners’ ability to shake off the WBC hangover.

What’s at stake for Seattle?

With the Mariners sitting 47‑48 and trailing the division leader, every game matters. A win against Tampa Bay could halt the slide and give the club a chance to re‑enter the playoff conversation. For Raleigh, a strong showing would silence critics who blame the WBC for his decline and could restore his status as a premier catcher in the league.