Surgical Interventions Target Offseason Injuries
Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh and first baseman Josh Naylor both underwent surgeries on October 3 to address injuries that affected them throughout the 2026 season, the team announced on Monday. The procedures were conducted at the University of Washington Medical Center, marking a significant step in their recovery timelines as the franchise looks toward the next campaign.
Raleigh had a left shoulder acromioclavicular joint debridement performed by Dr. Albert Gee. The procedure targeted the specific joint issues that had been part of his injury profile during the year. Meanwhile, Naylor underwent a triangular fibrocartilage complex repair surgery on his right wrist, performed by Dr. Jerry Huang. This operation addressed the wrist damage that contributed to his offensive struggles late in the season.
Both players are expected to be fully ready for the start of spring training in February, if it is not delayed by a baseball work stoppage. The timeline suggests a full recovery window, allowing both athletes to participate in early preparations without significant restrictions.
Raleigh's Statistical Breakdown and Late Surge
Raleigh, 29, missed time during the season primarily due to an oblique injury, but the shoulder could have also contributed to his struggles this season. His offensive output reflected these physical limitations for much of the year. Raleigh hit just .156 with a .569 OPS until mid-August before a late-season surge brought his full season totals up to a .182 average with 23 home runs, 15 doubles and a .664 OPS.
The contrast between his early struggles and late performance was stark. Over his final 32 games, Raleigh hit .256 with 10 home runs, seven doubles and 25 RBI along with a .935 OPS. This late-season hot streak provided a positive note for the organization, even as it highlighted the inconsistency caused by his injuries.
Naylor's Power Decline and Offensive Regression
Naylor significantly regressed from his 2025 season, particularly in the power department for Seattle – which the wrist injury could have had a significant hand in. The decline was evident across his overall metrics. Naylor finished the year with a sub-.700 OPS for the first time in his career in a full season, batting just .261 with 10 home runs and 23 doubles with 45 walks over 650 plate appearances.
The drop in power was especially pronounced in the latter half of the schedule. Naylor homered in just one of his final 86 games with Seattle this season, hitting two home runs against the Tampa Bay Rays on August 8. His last home run prior to that came on June 12 against the Washington Nationals. This prolonged drought underscored the impact of his wrist injury on his ability to generate extra-base hits as the season progressed.