Blue Jays’ Schneider aims to keep Raleigh drama out of ALCS narrative
The Toronto Blue Jays are gearing up for the American League Championship Series (ALCS) against the Seattle Mariners. Manager John Schneider is keen to steer clear of distractions stemming from previous comments he made regarding Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh. The significance of Raleigh in the lineup cannot be underestimated, especially given his remarkable performance this season.
Background on Schneider’s Comments
In April 2023, Schneider noted that Raleigh had been a tough opponent, specifically saying, “He’s not very tough to pitch to when you execute your pitches.” This remark was made after Raleigh hit two home runs in a single game against the Blue Jays, contributing to a 10-8 victory for the Mariners.
Fast forward to the 2024 season, and Raleigh continued to showcase his talent, hitting a go-ahead home run in another critical game. In light of this ongoing rivalry, Schneider expressed the need to move beyond past remarks. “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say it at all,” he stated, addressing the tensions around his earlier comments.
Cal Raleigh’s Rise to Stardom
Raleigh, 28, has transformed into one of Major League Baseball’s most formidable power hitters. His standout season in 2025 saw him hit 60 home runs, cementing his status as a legitimate MVP candidate. Additionally, his defensive skills make him a dual threat behind the plate.
- 60 home runs in the 2025 regular season.
- 1.016 OPS against the Blue Jays throughout his career.
- 10 home runs in just 24 games against Toronto, excluding performances from the 2022 Wild Card Series.
Focus on the ALCS
With the series set to begin, Schneider aims to focus on the game rather than any past disagreements. He emphasized the importance of acknowledging Raleigh’s role in the Mariners’ lineup. “I don’t want that to be a narrative in this series at all,” he asserted.
As the Blue Jays prepare for Game 1, Schneider’s leadership will be put to the test. Both teams are vying for a chance at the World Series, elevating the stakes and the intensity of this matchup.
