Healthy Luke Raley is teasing Mariners lineup might actually be underrated

Although he appeared in 73 games last year, Luke Raley didn't have much of a part in Seattle's most successful team in decades. Injuries such as an oblique strain limited him at the plate and his role in the field was unclear at best, splitting time between right field and first base but excelling at neither.

This year, there's a chance he can turn things back around. He recently discussed the significant impact of the injuries that kept him on the sidelines and with a clean bill of health, it's plausible that he could return to being as productive as he was in 2024 when he posted a career-high 128 OPS+. But even if he does bounce back, how would that affect a lineup plan that currently has him slotted in as a platoon bat?

Even without playing every day, a healthy Luke Raley could give the Mariners the best offensive outfield in baseball

Now that Seattle can depend on Josh Naylor to play first base full time, it's safe to say that if Raley is penciled into the lineup, it will be in right field. This is already a big step in the right direction, as Raley is far better in the outfield than he is in the infield.

Earlier in the year, general manager Justin Hollander clarified that he plans to split playing time between Luke Raley and Víctor Robles, utilizing Raley against right-handed pitching. This should also help lift his overall value, as his career OPS against righties (.786 OPS) is significantly better than that against lefties (.528 OPS).

On a team level, this should lead to a major increase in outfield offensive production. In 2025, the Mariners ranked top-10 in team OPS from left field and center field but 28th in right field with a paltry .618 OPS. Without a strong showing from Dominic Canzone, it could've been even worse. Assuming Raley is able to stay healthy and the team only uses him in advantageous situations, right field might actually be the position that sees the most improvement.

The lineup is already carrying high expectations, but a Raley resurgence makes these ambitious predictions all the more likely. He's had an impressive showing in spring training, slashing .500/.545/.900 with a double and a home run over 11 plate appearances. An uncharacteristic lack of pop was a primary culprit for disappointing offensive figures last year and if his play in Peoria is any indication, his power has made a return.

It may be hard to believe but just two years ago, Luke Raley was the best hitter on the team other than his platoon mate Víctor Robles, a redemption candidate of his own. The potential to be a legitimate bat is there and if he manages to make the necessary adjustments, the already lofty projections for this lineup may still be selling the team short.