Could Mariners Manager Dan Wilson Be Behind Cal Raleigh Breakout?

Cal Raleigh is off to an incredible start this season. He would be the front-runner candidate for AL MVP in the American League if it were not for Aaron Judge playing at an outrageously high level.

That should not diminish the absurd numbers Raleigh is putting up through a third of the season. He has been the best Mariners player this year without question. His offense has been much-needed, especially in the power department, and his catching has continued to be elite.

Through 55 games, Raleigh is slashing .260/.379/.595 with 19 home runs and a 184 OPS+. He currently leads the AL in home runs and is one of the best hitters in baseball.

Cal Raleigh has transformed his game, and Dan Wilson may be to thank

Raleigh had been a very good player through his first three-and-a-half years in the big leagues before 2025. He was a great catcher behind the plate and hit for elite power for a catcher. This year, he is evolving and becoming more of an all-around hitter while crushing more homers.

Not a whole lot has changed in the lineup around Raleigh, but one major factor has: his manager.

Dan Wilson entered his first full season as Mariners manager in 2025 and he could be one of the leading reasons behind this explosion. Wilson was the best catcher in Mariners franchise history, and he is the only catcher in the team's Hall of Fame. He had a solid career with the Mariners from 1994 to 2005, even if he was not as much of an offensive threat as Raleigh is.

In his 12 years with the Mariners, Wilson slashed .262/.309/.384 with an 80 OPS+, which isn't great, but is good for a catcher. He played great defense behind the plate and was a part of some of the best teams in Mariners history.

Raleigh has already passed Wilson in career WAR this year. If he continues to be an elite player through the rest of his newly signed contract extension, Raleigh will be the unquestioned best catcher in the history of the team.

Perhaps having a manager who was previously the best catcher to play in Seattle allowed Raleigh to have someone to turn to who he can relate to. Wilson was a key contributor to the best teams in the history of the Mariners in 1995 and 2001. Raleigh wants to lead the Mariners back to that level and take them further to capture their first World Series title. Who better to learn from than the man who was in his position on those great teams?

As reported by Adam Jude of The Seattle Times on May 23, Raleigh said that Wilson did a good job of creating an environment where the players are the leaders. Wilson gave Raleigh the pathway to be the leader of this group with the mission of taking them to the top.

“Players are the ones who create that kind of environment," Raleigh said, per Jude. "It can’t be forced through a coach or the staff. But [Wilson] does a good job of creating ownership within the group. Players need to take care of the players and police themselves. Ultimately, it’s all about the players.”

It is not going to be easy, but the grit, determination, and passion that Raleigh plays with will certainly help the Mariners as they continue to push towards the playoffs.