Outlook Cal Raleigh
Cal Raleigh returns from the injured list to anchor the Mariners' lineup, offering immense power upside despite a sluggish batting average.
After missing a month with a right oblique strain, Raleigh returned to action, reclaiming his role as the primary backstop. Over his first six games back, he is batting .167 with a .375 OBP, showing an excellent eye with six walks. His presence is vital for the first-place Mariners (40-39 in the AL West), especially with key teammates like Randy Arozarena currently sidelined on the injured list.
While Raleigh's early .162 batting average is a drag, our projections expect a strong rest-of-season rebound toward a .233 average and 30 home runs. The slump is heavily weighted by a career-worst hitless skid prior to his injury, but his historic 65-homer campaign in 2025 demonstrates his elite ceiling. Fantasy managers must remain patient, as his power-hitting profile is incredibly rare at the catcher position.
This week, the Mariners play six road games, visiting Pittsburgh and Cleveland. Raleigh faces several vulnerable starters, including Mitch Keller (5.25 ERA) and Slade Cecconi (4.61 ERA), offering prime opportunities to jumpstart his power. Given the high-upside matchups and guaranteed volume, he belongs in all active lineups. Verdict: Start.
Updated 1 day ago
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Outlook Colson Montgomery
Montgomery's Historic Power Surge Offsets Average Woes
Colson Montgomery made history by becoming the first player with 20-plus homers in his first 275 at-bats in consecutive seasons. Over the last 14 days, he hit just .194 but slugged four homers and drove in seven runs. He remains the starting shortstop for the 39-37 White Sox, who hold second place in the AL Central despite missing key bat Munetaka Murakami.
With 20 homers in 73 games, Montgomery has nearly matched his 2025 total of 21. While our projections anticipated a moderate 18-homer pace, his power is clearly elite. However, his .221 average and high strikeout rate are real, meaning his elite power surge comes with a batting average tax.
The White Sox host six games this week, starting with a tough series against Cleveland's Parker Messick (2.77 ERA) and Gavin Williams (3.83 ERA) before an easier slate against Kansas City, closing with Luinder Avila (5.50 ERA). Despite a few difficult matchups, his rare power potential at shortstop makes him a locked-in option. Start.
Updated 1 day ago
