Cal Raleigh Named Cover Athlete for Baseball Hits 26

Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh, affectionately known as “The Big Dumper,” has been announced as the cover athlete for the upcoming mobile baseball video game, Baseball Hits 26. This game, developed by Ares Interactive, is set to be released later this year. Raleigh expressed his excitement about the partnership, stating, “Having the opportunity to partner with Ares Interactive as the cover athlete for Baseball Hits 26 is a highlight.” He noted that the game would be ideal for entertainment during road trips.

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Baseball Hits 26 is positioned as a spiritual successor to the MLB Tap Sports franchise, which was previously developed by EA Sports. The new game is produced by 7th Inning, a studio formed by Ares Interactive that includes former developers from the MLB Tap Sports series in key roles. Raleigh follows in the footsteps of his teammate Julio Rodríguez, who was the cover athlete for EA Sports MLB Tap Sports Baseball 2023.

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Cal Raleigh's selection as the cover athlete comes on the heels of a remarkable 2025 season, during which he hit 61 home runs, setting records for both a catcher and a Mariners player. His performance earned him a spot in the 2025 All-Star game and recognition as the 2024 Platinum Glove winner, awarded to the best defender across all positions in the American League. As he prepares for the upcoming MLB season, Raleigh is currently participating in spring training in Arizona and is also set to represent Team USA in the World Baseball Classic, which begins in early March.

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In his press release, Raleigh highlighted the significance of being featured on the game cover, emphasizing the enjoyment it brings to fans and players alike. The Mariners organization has also expressed pride in Raleigh's achievements and his role as a representative of the team in both the game and the World Baseball Classic.

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While the announcement has been largely well-received, some fans have expressed concerns about the quality and gameplay of mobile sports games, questioning whether Baseball Hits 26 can meet the expectations set by its predecessors. However, the excitement surrounding Raleigh's achievements and the game's potential remains high among supporters.

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As the MLB season approaches, fans will be eager to see how Raleigh's performance translates on the field, especially following his record-setting season. Additionally, the release of Baseball Hits 26 is anticipated to attract attention from both gamers and baseball enthusiasts, further spotlighting Raleigh's growing influence in the sport.

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