Mariners powerful bats have put baseball on notice, but something is missing

Mariners powerful bats have put baseball on notice, but something is missing originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here .

The Seattle Mariners are off to a solid start for the 2026 season following their successful 2025 campaign. One of their biggest strengths last year was the long ball, and after four games, it has not changed.

Before their three-game set against the New York Yankees gets started, the Mariners have eight home runs as a squad already this season. That is second in all of baseball, behind the Mike Trout-led Los Angeles Angels .

How have they gotten to this point, and is it sustainable? Even with all of that success, it still feels like something is missing?

Missing their most important player

Those eight homers do not feature the American League, and Major League for that matter, home run king from 2025, catcher Cal Raleigh . The 60-home run slugger from a year ago only has one extra base hit, a double, thus far. He has been a missing link, and had he been able to contribute more in the opening series against the Cleveland Guardians , the Mariners might be undefeated instead of 2-2.

It has been right fielder Luke Raley as the main attraction this season. With three homers to his credit in the opening four games, he is poised to have a solid year. In fact, you might be able to pencil him in for some American League MVP votes when this season is wraps up.

With a surprisingly adequate AL West shaping up to be an all-out brawl this season, the Mariners might have some stiff competition for the Division title. Raleigh has to show up to push his team up and over the threshold.