Cal Raleigh calms Mariners fans with positive offseason injury update

As the MLB offseason trudges on, fans are mainly focusing on their favorite team making a trade or signing a free agent. Oftentimes, players on the current roster are slightly forgotten in the winter, especially ones who are not expected to leave the club.

But for Seattle Mariners fans, that's not the case with Cal Raleigh, who is a beloved fan favorite. So whenever he speaks, everybody listens.

Mariners News: Cal Raleigh provides injury update after 2024 season

Seattle's Gold Glover went on a local radio show this week to discuss earning the defensive award, which turned into a conversation about his health. Raleigh underwent surgery on his left thumb after leading the league in games caught in 2023, which left his ability to perform every day behind the plate in question for 2024.

Raleigh responded to that question by catching 135 games, which also led MLB in 2024. This kind of wear and tear can be grueling on a Major League catcher, but Raleigh mentioned that he is not dealing with any injuries this offseason. The star catcher isn't one to mince words, either, so if he is telling you his feelings, he is not sugarcoating it.

This past season was Raleigh's third full year as a starter. A third time around the sun is not necessarily a make-or-break season for MLB players, but their play at that juncture can help organizations figure out their trajectory in regard to consistency/sustainability. Coming off a campaign that saw 34 home runs and 100 RBI, Raleigh's meter is leaning on the side of "franchise player."

He has 91 home runs in the last three seasons (93 for his career), and now with a confirmed healthy status, it may actually be time to consider extending Raleigh's contract with Seattle. Is he worth it? Raleigh's 34 round-trippers led all catchers in 2024, and his 100 RBI were second only to Salvador Perez's 104. Raleigh also drew 70 walks, which were second-most. When you mix this offensive production with a Gold Glove season, it is difficult arguing against handing him an extension.

Raleigh is only 27 years old. He is trending upward in every metric. He put concerning injuries woes behind him. If the Mariners are serious about wanting to win and contend for the postseason, they have a gem at catcher who can undoubtedly help turn this losing ship around.

Extension or not, though, Raleigh escaped 2024 without any injury concerns and will look to build off of more success in 2025.