| AB | 546 |
|---|---|
| AVG | .22 |
| OBP | .312 |
| SLG | .436 |
| HR | 34 |
- Full name Caleb John Raleigh
- Born 11/26/1996 in Cullowhee, NC
- Profile Ht.: 6'3" / Wt.: 235 / Bats: S / Throws: R
- School Florida State
- Debut 07/11/2021
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Drafted in the 3rd round (90th overall) by the Seattle Mariners in 2018 (signed for $854,000).
View Draft Report
A Clemson commit who shifted to Florida State when former Tigers head coach Jack Leggett departed, Raleigh made a loud first impression with the Seminoles in 2016. The thick-bodied switch-hitter slugged 10 homers and was a BA Freshman All-American that season, but he slipped considerably his sophomore year, batting just .227 and struggling at times defensively. Now in his third season, Raleigh has seemingly rebounded at the plate, with nine homers and a .313/.446/.534 slash line through 176 at-bats. Raleigh has above-average raw power, but his struggles as a sophomore and his lack of track record with a wood bat leave some scouts skeptical he'll be able to consistently tap into it. Raleigh is an average receiver with an average throwing arm. He projects to stick behind the plate at the next level, but his value is primarily tied to his power potential. While his stock isn't as high as it was in 2016, Raleigh's strong junior season has restored at least some of the confidence in his offensive skill set.
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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Hitting: 40. Power: 60. Running: 30. Fielding: 45. Arm: 55.
TRACK RECORD: Raleigh’s big power at Florida State led the Mariners to draft him in the third round in 2019, and he quickly showed it transferred to pro ball. Raleigh hit 29 home runs in his first full season as he jumped to Double-A. He spent 2020 at the alternate training site and stood out in instructional league, where his eight home runs led all Mariners prospects.
SCOUTING REPORT: The burly, switch-hitting Raleigh has plus raw power he gets to in games. He has slightly below-average bat speed, but he worked to shorten his swing at instructs and still barrels balls hard in the air. His home run power is almost exclusively from the left side, but he has enough strength to drive balls from the right side, too. Some scouts are concerned he’ll struggle with better velocity, but his power should compensate for low batting averages. Whether Raleigh stays at catcher will depend on how he maintains his body and mobility. He has a thick lower half and keeps getting bigger. Because of his size, he catches on one knee but has a quick transfer and makes accurate throws. He is a solid receiver and communicates well with pitchers.
THE FUTURE: Raleigh could be the rare catcher who hits enough to DH on occasion. He’ll see Triple-A in 2021. -
TRACK RECORD: After a three-year career at Florida State and 38 games at short-season Everett in his pro debut in 2018, Raleigh jumped a level to high Class A Modesto and then to Double-A Arkansas for his first full season. The big switch-hitting catcher finished third in the Cal League in home runs (22).
SCOUTING REPORT: A rare switch-hitting catcher with big power, Raleigh gets to his raw power thanks to good direction in his bat, which makes up for below-average bat speed and a lack of lower-half mobility in the box. Scouts have seen Raleigh having to cheat to hit good velocity and he'll need to improve the quality of his at-bats as he advances. Behind the plate, Raleigh communicates well with his pitchers and frames and receives well. Because of his size he has to go to one knee to catch, but he transfers the ball well and his throws are accurate, with grades on his arm varying from below-average to just above.
THE FUTURE: Raleigh will provide value if he continues developing his approach and improving as a defender. He'll return to Double-A in 2020 with a probable move to Triple-A later in the summer. -
Track Record: The switch-hitting Raleigh was a three-year starter at Florida State. He hit much better as a junior, compiling a team-leading 1.030 OPS with 13 home runs to make up for a lackluster sophomore season. While Raleigh faced plenty of questions about his ability to hit with wood bats, the Mariners drafted him in the third round in 2018, attracted to his potential power bat and catcher profile.
Scouting Report: Raleigh's carrying tool is his above-average raw power from both sides of the plate. He manages the strike zone well with a swing that is similar from both sides. The Mariners were pleasantly surprised with Raleigh's defense in his pro debut at short-season Everett, with the above-average arm and blocking techniques indicating he has a chance to be an above-average defender. He also scored well in the organization's pitch-framing metrics. Raleigh was praised for his work ethic. The son of a one-time college coach, Raleigh has been around the game all his life, and it shows in his baseball IQ.
The Future: Raleigh will head to low Class A West Virginia with much of the rest of the Mariners' 2018 draft class. He already is the system's best catcher.
Draft Prospects
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A Clemson commit who shifted to Florida State when former Tigers head coach Jack Leggett departed, Raleigh made a loud first impression with the Seminoles in 2016. The thick-bodied switch-hitter slugged 10 homers and was a BA Freshman All-American that season, but he slipped considerably his sophomore year, batting just .227 and struggling at times defensively. Now in his third season, Raleigh has seemingly rebounded at the plate, with nine homers and a .313/.446/.534 slash line through 176 at-bats. Raleigh has above-average raw power, but his struggles as a sophomore and his lack of track record with a wood bat leave some scouts skeptical he'll be able to consistently tap into it. Raleigh is an average receiver with an average throwing arm. He projects to stick behind the plate at the next level, but his value is primarily tied to his power potential. While his stock isn't as high as it was in 2016, Raleigh's strong junior season has restored at least some of the confidence in his offensive skill set. -
In a class light on catching, Raleigh sticks out. He has quick feet behind the plate and a strong receiving hand, with potential for an average arm once he matures. He is light enough on his feet that some scouts believe he could be an adequate defender at third base should the need ever present itself. Raleigh is a switch-hitter with power potential from both sides of the plate. He is raw, but already shows the potential for above-average power from the left side, and has made progress to clean up some of the moving parts in each of his swings. Raleigh has a 6-foot-3 frame with a lean upper half, and could develop even more bat speed as he grows into his body and develops his strength. Raleigh's biggest weakness is his well below-average speed. He is committed to Clemson, where his upside on both sides of the ball could allow him to develop into a high draft pick down the line.
Minor League Top Prospects
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Raleigh was the most well-rounded catcher in a league that included Keibert Ruiz, Luis Campusano and Joey Bart. He ranked sixth in the league batting average (.324) and eighth in OPS (.985) when got called up on July 11 and drew plaudits for his receiving, game-calling and arm strength. The switch-hitter had few holes in his swing from either side of the plate, stayed in the strike zone and was a durable, reliable defender behind the plate. He received votes for best batting prospect, best defensive catcher and most exciting player from league managers. “He’s going to be their main guy for many years," former El Paso manager Edwin Rodriguez said. "Not only is he an offensive switch-hitting catcher, but also his ability to catch and throw. I liked the way he handled the pitching and handled the game. I liked what I saw.” Raleigh is an early-count swinger whose ambush approach was exploited in the majors. Improving that is his next step toward becoming the Mariners’ regular catcher. -
Raleigh’s 22 home runs ranked third in the league despite the fact he was promoted to Double-A in mid-July. The switch-hitting catcher hit 15 homers in his final 101 plate appearances after becoming more decisive with his swings. Raleigh is a better hitter from the left side than the right but flashes plus raw power from both. He’s an above-average receiver and pitch framer who calls his own game, and he threw out 36 percent of basestealers with an above-average, accurate arm. "Another frontline catcher,” Stockton manager Webster Garrison said. "The kid’s got pop from both sides . . . and he’s a big target back there. Good receiver, block and throw guy. He didn’t hit for a high average, but he’s a threat every time he steps in the box.” Raleigh’s thick lower half limits his mobility in the box and behind the plate. How well he manages that will determine his future. -
Raleigh earned Baseball America freshman All-America honors in 2016 and was a third-team All-American during his junior year. He was among the offensive stars in the Atlantic Coast Conference, and received an $854,000 bonus from the Mariners as their third-round pick. Raleigh's best tools show up when he's in the batter's box, where he shows off above-average raw power from both sides of plate. He hit well from both sides in his pro debut, but was particularly punishing against lefthanders, against whom he hit three home runs in 22 at-bats. He's got an above-average throwing arm as well, and he was at least an adequate blocker. He also scored high on the Mariners' internal pitch-framing metrics. But some scouts still question whether the total package defensively can be better than fringe-average.
Best Tools List
- Rated Best Defensive Catcher in the Seattle Mariners in 2020
- Rated Best Defensive Catcher in the Seattle Mariners in 2019
Scouting Reports
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Raleigh was the most well-rounded catcher in a league that included Keibert Ruiz, Luis Campusano and Joey Bart. He ranked sixth in the league batting average (.324) and eighth in OPS (.985) when got called up on July 11 and drew plaudits for his receiving, game-calling and arm strength. The switch-hitter had few holes in his swing from either side of the plate, stayed in the strike zone and was a durable, reliable defender behind the plate. He received votes for best batting prospect, best defensive catcher and most exciting player from league managers. “He’s going to be their main guy for many years," former El Paso manager Edwin Rodriguez said. "Not only is he an offensive switch-hitting catcher, but also his ability to catch and throw. I liked the way he handled the pitching and handled the game. I liked what I saw.” Raleigh is an early-count swinger whose ambush approach was exploited in the majors. Improving that is his next step toward becoming the Mariners’ regular catcher. -
Raleigh has improved on both sides of the ball to solidify his projections as the Mariners' catcher of the future. His receiving metrics have been the best in the Mariners organization on a nightly basis, major leaguers included, and his game-calling and leadership draw rave reviews. A switch-hitter, Raleigh has ironed out his righthanded swing to be a legitimate threat from both sides of the plate, and improved pitch recognition has helped him lay off high fastballs that previously gave him trouble. -
Hitting: 40. Power: 60. Running: 30. Fielding: 45. Arm: 55.
TRACK RECORD: Raleigh’s big power at Florida State led the Mariners to draft him in the third round in 2019, and he quickly showed it transferred to pro ball. Raleigh hit 29 home runs in his first full season as he jumped to Double-A. He spent 2020 at the alternate training site and stood out in instructional league, where his eight home runs led all Mariners prospects.
SCOUTING REPORT: The burly, switch-hitting Raleigh has plus raw power he gets to in games. He has slightly below-average bat speed, but he worked to shorten his swing at instructs and still barrels balls hard in the air. His home run power is almost exclusively from the left side, but he has enough strength to drive balls from the right side, too. Some scouts are concerned he’ll struggle with better velocity, but his power should compensate for low batting averages. Whether Raleigh stays at catcher will depend on how he maintains his body and mobility. He has a thick lower half and keeps getting bigger. Because of his size, he catches on one knee but has a quick transfer and makes accurate throws. He is a solid receiver and communicates well with pitchers.
THE FUTURE: Raleigh could be the rare catcher who hits enough to DH on occasion. He’ll see Triple-A in 2021. -
Hitting: 40. Power: 60. Running: 30. Fielding: 45. Arm: 55.
TRACK RECORD: Raleigh’s big power at Florida State led the Mariners to draft him in the third round in 2019, and he quickly showed it transferred to pro ball. Raleigh hit 29 home runs in his first full season as he jumped to Double-A. He spent 2020 at the alternate training site and stood out in instructional league, where his eight home runs led all Mariners prospects.
SCOUTING REPORT: The burly, switch-hitting Raleigh has plus raw power he gets to in games. He has slightly below-average bat speed, but he worked to shorten his swing at instructs and still barrels balls hard in the air. His home run power is almost exclusively from the left side, but he has enough strength to drive balls from the right side, too. Some scouts are concerned he’ll struggle with better velocity, but his power should compensate for low batting averages. Whether Raleigh stays at catcher will depend on how he maintains his body and mobility. He has a thick lower half and keeps getting bigger. Because of his size, he catches on one knee but has a quick transfer and makes accurate throws. He is a solid receiver and communicates well with pitchers.
THE FUTURE: Raleigh could be the rare catcher who hits enough to DH on occasion. He’ll see Triple-A in 2021. -
TRACK RECORD: After a three-year career at Florida State and 38 games at short-season Everett in his pro debut in 2018, Raleigh jumped a level to high Class A Modesto and then to Double-A Arkansas for his first full season. The big switch-hitting catcher finished third in the Cal League in home runs (22).
SCOUTING REPORT: A rare switch-hitting catcher with big power, Raleigh gets to his raw power thanks to good direction in his bat, which makes up for below-average bat speed and a lack of lower-half mobility in the box. Scouts have seen Raleigh having to cheat to hit good velocity and he’ll need to improve the quality of his at-bats as he advances. Behind the plate, Raleigh communicates well with his pitchers and frames and receives well. Because of his size he has to go to one knee to catch, but he transfers the ball well and his throws are accurate, with grades on his arm varying from below-average to just above.
THE FUTURE: Raleigh will provide value if he continues developing his approach and improving as a defender. He’ll return to Double-A in 2020 with a probable move to Triple-A later in the summer. -
TRACK RECORD: After a three-year career at Florida State and 38 games at short-season Everett in his pro debut in 2018, Raleigh jumped a level to high Class A Modesto and then to Double-A Arkansas for his first full season. The big switch-hitting catcher finished third in the Cal League in home runs (22).
SCOUTING REPORT: A rare switch-hitting catcher with big power, Raleigh gets to his raw power thanks to good direction in his bat, which makes up for below-average bat speed and a lack of lower-half mobility in the box. Scouts have seen Raleigh having to cheat to hit good velocity and he'll need to improve the quality of his at-bats as he advances. Behind the plate, Raleigh communicates well with his pitchers and frames and receives well. Because of his size he has to go to one knee to catch, but he transfers the ball well and his throws are accurate, with grades on his arm varying from below-average to just above.
THE FUTURE: Raleigh will provide value if he continues developing his approach and improving as a defender. He'll return to Double-A in 2020 with a probable move to Triple-A later in the summer. -
Raleigh’s 22 home runs ranked third in the league despite the fact he was promoted to Double-A in mid-July. The switch-hitting catcher hit 15 homers in his final 101 plate appearances after becoming more decisive with his swings. Raleigh is a better hitter from the left side than the right but flashes plus raw power from both. He’s an above-average receiver and pitch framer who calls his own game, and he threw out 36 percent of basestealers with an above-average, accurate arm. "Another frontline catcher,” Stockton manager Webster Garrison said. "The kid’s got pop from both sides . . . and he’s a big target back there. Good receiver, block and throw guy. He didn’t hit for a high average, but he’s a threat every time he steps in the box.” Raleigh’s thick lower half limits his mobility in the box and behind the plate. How well he manages that will determine his future. -
A Clemson commit who shifted to Florida State when former Tigers head coach Jack Leggett departed, Raleigh made a loud first impression with the Seminoles in 2016. The thick-bodied switch-hitter slugged 10 homers and was a BA Freshman All-American that season, but he slipped considerably his sophomore year, batting just .227 and struggling at times defensively. Now in his third season, Raleigh has seemingly rebounded at the plate, with nine homers and a .313/.446/.534 slash line through 176 at-bats. Raleigh has above-average raw power, but his struggles as a sophomore and his lack of track record with a wood bat leave some scouts skeptical he'll be able to consistently tap into it. Raleigh is an average receiver with an average throwing arm. He projects to stick behind the plate at the next level, but his value is primarily tied to his power potential. While his stock isn't as high as it was in 2016, Raleigh's strong junior season has restored at least some of the confidence in his offensive skill set.
