Mariners Confirm Offseason Surgeries for Raleigh and Naylor

Key points

• Cal Raleigh underwent left shoulder acromioclavicular (AC) debridement on October 3.
• Josh Naylor underwent triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) repair on his right wrist on October 3.
• Both players are expected to recover fully before the start of spring training in 2027.
• Raleigh’s 2026 stats (.182/.296/.368, 23 HR) were far below his 2025 peak (.247/.359/.589, 60 HR).
• Naylor’s 2026 stats (.261/.317/.350, 10 HR) were also significantly down from 2025 (.295/.353/.462, 20 HR).
• The Mariners finished 2026 with a 74-85 record, their first losing season since 2019.

Background

The 2026 season was a historic collapse for the Seattle Mariners, who finished 74-85 and missed the postseason for the first time since 2019. This followed their 2025 ALCS run. Cal Raleigh had a historic 2025 with 60 home runs, but struggled in 2026, including an oblique injury that placed him on the IL in May. Josh Naylor also saw a decline in production. The team faced leadership questions, including the potential departure of manager Dan Wilson.

How outlets are covering it

MLB Trade Rumors and NBC Sports both confirm the surgeries and expected recovery timelines. MLB Trade Rumors provides detailed statistical comparisons between 2025 and 2026, highlighting the drastic drop in performance for both players. NBC Sports notes that Raleigh’s shoulder injury may have compounded his earlier oblique issue, affecting his power production. Both sources agree that the players are key building blocks for the Mariners, with long-term contracts through 2030. There is no disagreement on the facts, but MLB Trade Rumors offers more depth on the statistical decline and defensive metrics, while NBC Sports focuses on the immediate injury update and fantasy implications.

Why it matters

The health of Cal Raleigh and Josh Naylor is critical for the Seattle Mariners’ future competitiveness. Both are high-salary, long-term commitments, and their return to form is essential for the team to return to the postseason in 2027. The 2026 season’s failure, marked by a losing record and missed playoffs, underscores the need for these key players to perform at their peak levels. Their recovery will also impact the team’s strategy for the 2027 season and beyond.

What to watch

The Mariners will monitor the recovery of Raleigh and Naylor during the offseason. Both are expected to be ready for spring training in 2027. The team will also make decisions regarding manager Dan Wilson and other leadership roles, as well as address the futures of free agents like Logan Gilbert and Randy Arozarena. The 2027 season will be a test of whether the Mariners can rebuild their competitiveness with a healthy core.