Cal Raleigh, the Seattle Mariners catcher, has been selected as a starter for the MLB All-Star Game, marking his first appearance at this prestigious event in his fifth season. The announcement came on Wednesday, revealing Raleigh as one of the 16 starters for the American League and National League rosters. This season has been a significant one for Raleigh, as he leads Major League Baseball in both home runs and RBIs.
Raleigh’s selection makes him the first Mariners starter in the All-Star Game since 2015, when Nelson Cruz represented the team. His journey to the All-Star Game has been made possible by a two-phase voting system that MLB implemented this year, with results from both phases determining the starters.
The All-Star team also features familiar names, including Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees, who both led the voting in their respective phases. This year’s selections highlight some exciting talent, including rookie shortstop Jacob Wilson from the Athletics, who narrowly beat out Kansas City Royals player Bobby Witt Jr. for the position.
As the MLB gears up for this year’s All-Star festivities, including the game at Truist Park in Atlanta on July 15 and the Home Run Derby on July 14, fans can look forward to celebrating the best of the season. The rosters for pitchers and reserves will be announced on July 6, ensuring representation from every team.
Raleigh’s ascendance in the league reflects the emerging talent within the Mariners organization and offers fans hope for a competitive future as they embrace this recognition on such a grand stage.