In a recent appearance on the "Foul Territory" podcast, Matthew Boyd said Raleigh, who will also compete for Team USA, reached out to him in preparation of the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
The Seattle Mariners are likely going to be among the major league teams with the most representation in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
Catcher Cal Raleigh, outfielders Randy Arozarena and Julio Rodriguez, pitcher Andres Munoz and minor league second baseman Michael Arroyo are just several of the players that have either been announced or are expected to compete in the international baseball tournament. And there could be multiple others.
Raleigh will have an opportunity to add a gold medal to his ever-growing trophy case, which was bolstered this past season by the greatest year by a catcher in MLB history.
Raleigh scored 110 runs in 159 games, and hit 24 doubles and 60 home runs with 125 RBIs. He slashed .247/.359/.589 with a .948 OPS. His 60 homers were the most in a single season by a catcher, and a switch-hitter, in MLB history.
The 2026 WBC will be Raleigh's first time competing in the international competition and he's already prepping to get to know his pitching staff.
Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Matthew Boyd was recently announced a member of Team USA for the 2026 WBC. He and Raleigh will be working together this offseason.
"He offered (to catch me this offseason)," Boyd said on the Foul Territory podcast Wednesday. "I'm not calling Cal. I've thrown to Reese McGuire a lot over the years here. Reese started going for warmer climates. I've thrown to a few minor league guys. My wife's cousin, Caleb Hamilton, he was up here for a long time but he moved to Texas now that he's coaching. He caught me. Beggars can't be choosers, man. When Cal offered to catch some 'pens, I was like 'Heck yeah. I'd love to.' I threw him a first-pitch fastball last year and he hit a homer, so it's probably him returning the favor in the nicest way. If a catcher offers to catch you and you know he can catch you — and it's not gonna be a high school kid that you're worried about potentially killing behind the plate — I'm gonna say 'yes' every time."
Boyd, like Raleigh, earned his first All-Star selection in 2025. Raleigh was on the American League squad and Boyd competed for the National League.
Boyd and Raleigh are former teammates with the Mariners. The former pitched in 10 games out of the bullpen for Seattle in 2022 — the year the M's broke their then-21-year playoff drought.
Boyd posted a 3.21 ERA this past season with 154 strikeouts in 179.2 innings pitched across 32 starts.
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