Our very own Cal Raleigh is on track to set a bizarre MLB record, and honestly, it’s not the kind of history we want him making in the Emerald City. Our Mariners catcher is currently tracking to hit the fewest home runs after a 60-plus homer season in MLB history. That’s a head-scratcher, right? You gotta wonder what’s going on at the plate when a guy like Cal is in the middle of such a strange stat. We know what he’s capable of, and this early season trend is definitely raising some eyebrows.
The D-Backs Scoop Up a Former All-Star
While we’re all wrapped up in our boys, some other news is dropping around the league. The Arizona Diamondbacks just scooped up former All-Star infielder Santiago Espinal, signing him to a minor-league contract. That’s according to their Triple-A affiliate, the Reno Aces. Espinal, who’s 31, has been a free agent for three weeks after the Texas Rangers released him, making the D-Backs his third team already this season. He played second base, but he can also bounce over to shortstop or third. You have to think they’re looking for some depth, especially after Nolan Arenado’s recent left intercostal strain.
Espinal’s Rollercoaster Season and Career Arc
Espinal actually kicked off this season with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He hit .268/.276/.375 with one home run in 36 games. What’s wild is he only struck out eight times but walked just once in 60 trips to the plate. The Dodgers cut ties with the Dominican Republic native after Tommy Edman returned from the injured list, which tells you all you need to know about where he stood on that roster. His best season was back in 2022 with the Blue Jays, when he earned an All-Star selection and posted his second straight season with 2.4 bWAR. He hasn’t topped 0.3 WAR in a season since, so the D-Backs are definitely taking a flyer here on a guy whose .651 OPS isn’t exactly screaming “All-Star.”
Meanwhile, around the rest of the league, the Brewers’ World Series odds are looking a bit bleak, connected to some wild MLB home run history. And speaking of the Dodgers, their latest update on Shohei Ohtani pitching again has major MVP implications, as if he needed more. Over in Arizona, D-backs Corbin Carroll just joined Lou Gehrig and Joe DiMaggio in some truly wild MLB history, and the Cardinals’ Joshua Baez just dropped a 3-HR debut, a feat never done before in MLB history.
It’s an early season full of wild swings and surprising numbers. Let’s hope Cal can turn this around and start making some positive history for our Mariners. We’ll be watching every swing as our boys fight through the early season.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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