NFL Previews 
MLB Previews 
NBA Previews 
NHL Previews 
Soccer Previews 
Prediction 
Odds 
Last Recap 
Game Picks 
Top Handicapper 
Cal Raleigh Continues Power Surge as Mariners Dominate Nationals
The Seattle Mariners are one-third of the way through their 2025 season, and catcher Cal Raleigh is proving to be the team’s most indispensable piece. On Tuesday night, Raleigh made his 52nd appearance of the season and once again showcased why the Mariners can’t afford to keep him out of the lineup.
Raleigh hit two home runs in Seattle’s 9-1 rout of the Washington Nationals, bringing his season total to 19. That puts him ahead of Aaron Judge and just one behind Shohei Ohtani for the MLB lead. His offensive production has been critical for a Mariners team leading the AL West.
Raleigh, who is currently batting .258, is on pace for 57 home runs and 111 RBIs—both of which would be career highs. Despite the gaudy numbers, the catcher remains grounded.
“I’m just trying to be as consistent as possible and do what I do well,” Raleigh said. “I’m always striving to be a more complete hitter. You never figure this game out. When you think you do, it’ll kick your butt.”
Baseball fans looking to ride the Mariners’ momentum can find expert MLB predictions and analysis on the MLB picks page.
Score A Homerun!
Premium MLB Handicapping Membership
Raleigh’s All-Around Impact
Raleigh isn’t just a power bat—he’s also a Platinum Glove winner, recognized as one of the league’s best defenders. Mariners manager Dan Wilson, himself a former MLB catcher, noted the physical and mental demands Raleigh endures each night.
“I think the idea is try to get him the DH days, which do help at least from the mental grind standpoint and a physical grind standpoint from getting away from behind the plate,” Wilson said. “But we just talked about it so much, just what he does, and calling the game what he does, and the physical demands. He seems like he gets three or four foul tips every single night back there. And then what he does offensively and to be able to do it as much as he does is remarkable.”
Raleigh has caught in 41 of his appearances this season and served as designated hitter in 11, a testament to his durability and importance. Bettors looking for deeper insights into players like Raleigh can explore the expert betting guide for MLB.
Mariners Clubhouse Leader
In addition to his on-field production, Raleigh commands immense respect in the clubhouse. Rookie pitcher Logan Evans, who threw eight dominant innings against the Nationals, was seen taking advice from Raleigh during batting practice.
“Cal is like the leader of this team. I think a lot of people know that,” Evans said. “He has the accolades and all the stuff to kind of back up on why he is, but I don’t think he uses that. I don’t think he goes around saying, like, ‘This is right because I’m a Platinum Glover.’ I think people just respect that about him and know that he shows up each and every day, working as hard as he can.”
Julio Rodriguez added a home run in the win, and Evans allowed just one run—a 448-foot blast by James Wood in the fourth inning—on four hits.
For fans interested in backing high-performing players like Evans and Rodriguez, buy picks from top MLB handicappers to get an edge.
Nationals Look to Bounce Back
Nationals manager Dave Martinez noted that his team struggled with pitch selection.
“We need to be aggressive on that first pitch … we fell behind and then we started chasing,” Martinez said. “We hit a couple balls in the gap … but when he’s like that and he’s attacking like that, you got to go up there and be ready to hit.”
Washington will turn to right-hander Trevor Williams (2-5, 6.39 ERA) in Wednesday’s series finale. Williams has no career decisions against Seattle but owns a 4.00 ERA in two starts. The Mariners will counter with George Kirby, making just his second start of the season due to shoulder inflammation. Kirby is 0-1 with a 12.27 ERA in 2025 and has a 4.15 ERA in two career starts against the Nationals.
For a full breakdown of the upcoming pitching matchup and betting analysis, visit the MLB game previews section.
Betting Insight and Handicapping Edge
As the Mariners continue to surge in the standings, their betting value increases across moneyline and prop markets. Cal Raleigh’s consistency, power, and leadership give Seattle a reliable cornerstone to build on. Bettors who want to stay ahead of the curve can monitor performance trends and expert picks on the best handicappers leaderboard.
To stay updated on the latest odds, predictions, and betting strategies throughout the MLB season, be sure to visit the Scores and Stats MLB picks hub.
