Mariners' 2024 Recap: Cal Raleigh's Success & Playoff Miss
Can one weekend encapsulate the triumphs and tribulations of a baseball season? The recent performances of Rowdy Tellez, the sustained excellence of Cal Raleigh, and the Mariners' bullpen brilliance against Toronto offer a compelling, if bittersweet, narrative of a team perpetually on the cusp of greatness.
The Associated Press, reporting just 21 hours ago, highlighted a weekend that provided a microcosm of the Seattle Mariners 2024 season. While the team showcased flashes of brilliance, exemplified by the aforementioned players and units, the overarching story remains one of unrealized potential. After a promising start and a playoff appearance, the Mariners, unfortunately, regressed to win totals of 88 and 85 games in 2023 and 2024, respectively. These tallies, though respectable, were not enough, and ultimately led to the team missing the playoffs by a single game in each season. The sting of near misses was palpable.
The 2024 season concluded with the Mariners once again failing to reach the postseason, their elimination occurring a few days before the final game. The weight of this failure, the disappointment, and the frustration were evident, especially in the context of what could have been. The team's inability to capitalize on opportunities has left fans and players questioning the direction of the organization. The pressure is mounting for the Mariners' front office to make the necessary moves to elevate the team to the next level.
As the dust settles on the 2024 season, attention naturally turns to individuals and performances. One player, in particular, shone brightly amidst the disappointment: Cal Raleigh.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Cal Raleigh |
| Date of Birth | April 27, 1997 |
| Place of Birth | Cullowhee, North Carolina, USA |
| Position | Catcher |
| Bats | Left |
| Throws | Right |
| Height | 6 ft 3 in |
| Weight | 220 lbs |
| MLB Debut | July 11, 2021 |
| Current Team | Seattle Mariners |
| Primary Representation | Excel Sports Management |
| 2024 Stats Highlights | 34 Home Runs, 100 RBIs |
| Career Highlight | Hit his 93rd career home run in his fourth MLB season, the most home runs in a catcher's first four MLB seasons. |
| Reference | MLB.com Player Profile |
Even in a season defined by playoff absence, Raleigh managed an incredible individual performance. He concluded the 2024 season with 34 home runs and 100 RBIs, a testament to his power and ability to drive in runs. His performance was a bright spot. This individual success, however, served to underscore the team's broader struggles.
Kiley McDaniel (@kileymcd) on November 21, 2024, reported that Raleigh had switched his representation to Excel Sports Management. This move suggests a strategic approach to his career, a reflection of his growing prominence within the league and his value to the Mariners. The weight of expectations will continue to grow, and Raleigh will now be represented by one of the industry's top agencies.
The significance of Raleigh's contributions cannot be overstated. As some observers have suggested, he has become one of the most important players to wear a Mariners uniform in the last decade. The team's long-term success may very well hinge on his continued development and his ability to stay healthy and productive. This statement underscores the critical role he plays in the team's pursuit of championship contention.
A Mariners' walk-off home run from Cal Raleigh against the Oakland A's is a prime example of his impact. His ability to deliver in clutch moments is undeniable, and he has quickly become a fan favorite. One cant help but wonder what could have been had the team's performance matched the individual talent. His performance is a testament to his skills and determination, but also hints at the systemic issues that have plagued the organization.
The focus must be on what comes next. The Mariners organization has expressed optimism heading into the 2025 campaign, but there are several factors that could potentially derail their season. The pressure is on to make the right moves and ensure the team can finally reach its full potential. The hope is that the front office is up to the challenge.
As the Mariners look towards 2025, questions abound. Will the team finally overcome its shortcomings and make a deep playoff run? Will the front office make the necessary investments to improve the team? One of the most important aspects of that future is the players. As it stands, the team is going to need to work on the things that make them fall short in the previous season.
The season's concluding moments saw Raleigh reaching a milestone by hitting his 34th home run to drive in his 100th run. This was his first time to reach the 100 RBI mark in his career, which reflects his continuous improvement and his value to the team. Raleigh has also continued to climb the charts of all-time home runs for a catcher in his first four seasons. His 93rd career home run made him the all-time leader in homers in a catcher's first four seasons. These achievements highlight his consistency and his offensive prowess, qualities that the Mariners will certainly depend on in the coming seasons.
The Mariners were again eliminated from playoff contention in 2024, as Cal Raleigh noted. This reality highlights the need for the team to address the deficiencies that prevented them from advancing. The team will also need to examine where they went wrong and what needs to change in order to reach the next level.
The emotions surrounding the Mariners' season ending in 2024 are not unique. Many Mariners fans felt a profound sense of disappointment. This sense of frustration, disappointment, and the what-ifs has been the story of the Mariners for some time now. The fanbase's passion is palpable, and their dedication to the team remains unwavering. It is now up to the organization to channel that passion into a winning formula.
One of the most important takeaways from the 2024 season is the necessity for the organization to be proactive. To put more pressure on the organization, players are speaking up, which is the best way to make the organization more effective.
The team's struggles have not been limited to the performance on the field. There is a need for the organization to address the structural and the decision-making processes that will determine the team's destiny in the coming seasons. As Michael Bumpus mentioned, the players' comments this weekend are an important step in urging the Mariners organization to invest more.
A significant part of the discourse centers on how the team is built and how they are run. A team is far more than just its individual components, and as the season ends, the need for deeper understanding of the root causes of the Mariners' failures is urgent. The organization must identify and fix these issues.
The recent failures of the team have been attributed to an "inept, bumbling organization". This is a harsh critique. The Mariner's organization, therefore, has to reflect on its shortcomings and consider how they can be better. The potential for success is always present, but it takes more than individual brilliance. The whole team must work together, the management must have the right tools, and everyone needs to be able to stay healthy. The organization's need to make significant improvements is apparent in the recent statements.
Looking forward, the Mariners have to capitalize on the optimism they have heading into 2025. The fans are eager to see the team take the next step. With a player like Raleigh, the team is on the right track. But it will also require more than just star power. There must be a unified plan for success.
The success of Cal Raleigh provides a glimpse of the team's potential. It reminds everyone that the team is only a few pieces away from contention. It is now up to the organization to find those pieces and put them into place.
