As Josh Naylor battles through a dismal start, Cal Raleigh's hustle brings a glimmer of hope for the struggling Mariners
Category: Sports
The Seattle Mariners are grappling with a challenging start to the 2026 MLB season, highlighted by the dismal performance of first baseman Josh Naylor. Once a key player for the Mariners during their successful 2025 campaign, Naylor's current struggles have become a focal point for fans and analysts alike.
After rejoining the Mariners on a five-year, $92.5 million contract in the winter before the 2026 season, expectations were high for Naylor. His contributions were seen as integral to the team's success, yet as of early April, he finds himself in a deep slump, hitting an alarming .102/.197/.102 with a .299 OPS and a -5 wRC+, which ranks as the third-worst in Major League Baseball.
Adding to the concern is Naylor's complete lack of power this season; he has yet to hit a home run or even a double. This marks a stark departure from his previous seasons, where he had consistently demonstrated some pop, including three seasons with over 20 home runs. In fact, his isolated power (ISO) is currently at .000, tying him for the worst in the league. The statistics paint a grim picture, with Naylor's expected slugging percentage sitting at .338 and an expected batting average of .225, indicating that he may simply be enduring a streak of bad luck rather than a complete decline in skill.
Analysts suggest that the Mariners should exhibit patience with Naylor, as the data indicates he is more unlucky than underperforming. His career numbers and previous performance trajectories suggest that this slump is likely an aberration. If things do not improve, Naylor could find himself facing scrutiny once again.
In the midst of Naylor's struggles, Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh has emerged as a bright spot. During a recent game, Raleigh showcased his hustle and determination, leading off the bottom of the third inning with an infield single. With a sprint speed of 27.0 ft/sec, well above his season average of 25.6 ft/sec, Raleigh's effort set a positive tone for the Mariners, who have been searching for offensive momentum.
Raleigh’s aggressive play paid off just two batters later when Naylor hit a two-run home run, his second of the season. This moment highlighted Raleigh’s hustle and was a potential turning point for Naylor, who desperately needs to regain his confidence at the plate. Raleigh's ability to score after Naylor's homer reflects the kind of team spirit the Mariners are hoping to cultivate as they navigate through this rough patch.
Meanwhile, the Mariners' challenges extend beyond Naylor. The team's performance has been marred by injuries and inconsistent offensive output. With players like Naylor struggling to find their rhythm, the burden falls heavier on others to step up. The Mariners, who were hopeful for a strong start to the season, now find themselves in a precarious position and must rally to turn things around.
Another player under the microscope is Nolan Arenado, who has also been struggling significantly since joining the Arizona Diamondbacks. At 34 years old, Arenado is hitting just .180/.192/.200 with a .392 OPS and a wRC+ of 7. His power numbers have drastically declined, with zero home runs and only one extra-base hit so far this season. Analysts note that Arenado's bat speed has diminished, and his performance both offensively and defensively is not what it once was. The hope was that a change of scenery would rejuvenate his career, but early indications suggest otherwise.
In stark comparison, Michael Busch of the Chicago Cubs has seen a dramatic fall from grace. After an impressive 2025 season where he hit .261/.343/.523 with an .866 OPS and 34 home runs, Busch is now struggling to find his footing, hitting just .135/.233/.173 with a .406 OPS and a wRC+ of 25. His current performance has led to a 0-for-30 stretch, raising concerns about his ability to contribute to the Cubs' lineup.
Busch’s decline is perplexing, as he has been making less contact with authority, seeing a decrease in both his line drive percentage and exit velocity. His current metrics place him in the lower percentiles for key hitting statistics, contrasting sharply with his prior seasons. Analysts suggest that Busch is too talented to cut from the roster just yet, but he needs to find a way to regain his form.
The Mariners’ situation, particularly with Naylor, Raleigh, and the broader team dynamics, reflects the unpredictable nature of baseball. As the season progresses, the Mariners must find ways to support their struggling players and capitalize on moments of brilliance like Raleigh's hustle. With the right adjustments and a little luck, the team could very well turn their fortunes around.
As the Mariners continue their season, Naylor to see if he can break free from his slump and return to form. The Mariners' management and fans alike are hoping that the combination of Raleigh's energy and Naylor's potential will lead to a resurgence for the team. The upcoming games will be telling, and whether Naylor can shake off his early-season woes remains a key question for Mariners supporters.