Mariners Catcher Cal Raleigh leads American League in impressive defensive statistic

Cal Raleigh quickly turned into a fan favorite once he made his way to the Majors for the Mariners. The team has struggled to find a long-term catcher ever since Dan Wilson left, and while we thought we had one in Zunino, it just wasn't to be. However, it seems like Raleigh has taken on that title now. While it's easy to love his power, which he has plenty of on the heels of another multi-homer game that gives him 83 (and counting) over the last three seasons, it's his defense that is getting recognized as of late.

He's in the midst of another great season, as he has posted a 3+ WAR in each full year with the Mariners, and has a chance to break that 4.0 mark for the first time with the defense playing a large part. He's sitting at a 1.1 dWAR, with a chance to break the 1.4 mark he set in 2022. The pitch-framing plays a huge part in that.

Cal Raleigh is one of the best defensive catchers in baseball.

Cal Raleigh leads the entire American League in Framing Runs, according to Baseball Savant's metric. He's actually second in all of baseball, behind only the 12 set by the cyborg that dons the gear for the Giants, Patrick Bailey. (Dude is insane behind the plate and is definitely the best defensive catcher in baseball without argument).

It's not just the glove. Raleigh led baseball in Caught Stealing in 2023, and currently leads the way in 2024 as well with 22, four ahead of 2nd place Patrick Bailey. He is set to become the first player in over 40 years to lead the league in that stat in back-to-back seasons. Maybe opposing runners will start taking note?

Cal has complete control of the game, from the framing and throwing aspects mentioned above to the way he calls a game. While most catchers choose the pitches, pitchers still shake them off if they aren't feeling it, and the catcher will call something else. Notice I said "most" catchers.

If Cal Raleigh puts down a pitch he wants thrown, he doesn't care if you shake him off or not. This is his world, and you are all just living in it. Remember when he had Luis Castillo throw like 45-50 fastballs in a row one game? I feel that any pitcher who didn't have the utmost trust in his catcher would've thrown something else. Not with Cal behind the dish.

It's great to see Cal showing out as one of the best defensive catchers in baseball while making a push for a deserved Gold Glove in 2024. With the rare combination of power and hitting ability paired with complete control behind the plate, it's time that the National Media started recognizing Cal for what he is. One of the top catchers in the entire game of baseball.