Your Mariners 2024 Catcher is…
John: Cal Raleigh – Called up in 2021, Raleigh has a legit and realistic chance to be the greatest catcher the Mariners have ever had. Yeah, the list isn’t long, but passing Dan “the man” Wilson would make for an incredible career. Great chemistry with the young pitching staff, ability to switch-hit and big dawg power give the Mariners a wonderful backstop.
Chris: Cal Raleigh – Cal Raleigh has already begun to demonstrate the qualities that the Mariners saw in him when they drafted him back in 2018: a catcher with above-average framing abilities, a solid arm, and a powerful bat. He lacks mobility around the bases, but his fielding behind the plate in combination with his ability to hit from both sides of the box makes him a rare talent.
Connor: Cal Raleigh – An offensive-oriented catcher with a rapidly improving defensive game, Raleigh has been the Mariners’ catcher of the future since he was drafted in 2018. He’s already showing leadership with pitchers this season and has come through in clutch moments with runners in scoring position. He’ll be 27 and beginning his prime in 2024.
Jamey: Cal Raleigh – This one seems to be unanimous. Raleigh has struggled in his first 17 games in the bigs, but it doesn’t seem to be more than the natural growing pains of a promotion. It also doesn’t help that Raleigh isn’t receiving consistent at-bats. But ultimately, the power combined with the above-average framing and elite arm will play in the majors regardless of how he hits for average. If 2021 first rounder Harry Ford sticks at catcher, he could be a possibility as well but this feels like Raleigh’s job for a long time.