2022 Seattle Mariners Season a Significant Step Forward
The Emergence of Cal Raleigh
Cal Raleigh gave Julio Rodriguez a run for his money on who was the Seattle Mariners fan favorite for 2022. Affectionately called “The Big Dumper,” Raleigh took a quick demotion to Tacoma earlier in the season and turned it into one of the best seasons of all time for a Mariners backstop.
He set a new team record for catchers with 27 home runs. More importantly, he became the backbone of a team that wouldn’t break.
His ability to catch every pitcher down the stretch and establish trust with them was just as important as his batting prowess. Afterward, M’s Nation learned he played with strained ligaments and a broken thumb during the postseason. That type of dedication is what made him a fan favorite.
On September 30, with the Seattle Mariners’ magic number down to 1 for ending the postseason drought, Cal Raleigh came to the plate in a 1-1 tie as a pinch-hitter. Manager Scott Servais gave his rookie catcher a day off against the Athletics after catching 11 innings the day before.
Once again, the Mariners needed him. With a 3-2 count, Raleigh clubbed a no-doubter down the right field line that hit off the Hit It Here Café. He walked off in a sweet, sweet victory to clinch a playoff berth for the Seattle Mariners.
His 7th home run of September became one of the biggest moments in Seattle Mariners’ history.
Bright Future
The Mariners 2023 and beyond looks amazing from any trajectory. In fact, while most experts had the Mariners finishing 4th or 5th in the AL West last year, it would be hard to swallow if that was the case during the 2022/2023 offseason.
Their rotation is set with Castillo, Ray, Gilbert, Kirby, and Gonzales. The offense’s core is also set and built around Rodriguez, Suarez, France, Crawford, and Raleigh, at least until 2025.
Adding a big bat to the mix will help. So will bringing in another key offensive component that can get on base. Also, a few relievers that match Andres Munoz‘s speed and Paul Sewald‘s intensity of Sewald would solidify the pen.
For the most part, the Mariners appear to be in the postseason mix for the foreseeable future.
Joe Swenson is an award-winning international playwright and a Marine Corps veteran.