Cal Raleigh ended his historic 38 consecutive hitless at-bat streak on May 16, 2026, with two singles in the seventh and ninth innings to break out of a prolonged slump [1, 2]. The streak was the longest hitless slide in the 2026 MLB season and the longest single-season streak since Craig Counsell’s 45 hitless at-bats in 2011. Raleigh’s streak is notable as the longest in the Live Ball Era by any player after a 40-home run season [1, 2].
Raleigh, who hit 60 home runs in 2025 and finished runner-up to Aaron Judge for the American League MVP, has struggled offensively through the 2026 campaign. Through about 40-42 games, he posted a batting average between .157 and .166 with an OPS around .559, well below his prior form [1, 3, 2]. His slump included a steep decline in hard-hit balls and barrel rates, a poorer approach at the plate, and increased strikeouts—16 during the hitless stretch—especially against fastballs [1, 3].
Raleigh attributes much of his difficulties to mental rather than physical challenges, focusing on competing and maintaining process despite the struggles. "I’m trying to get there. Honestly, it’s not been great. It’s been really ugly. I’m trying to do my best to just compete up there," he said [1].
To overcome the slump, Raleigh tried an unusual superstition. He showered in his full uniform after a game based on advice from teammate Logan Gilbert, who told him to "wash off the bad mojo or juju from the baseball gods" [2]. Mariners manager Dan Wilson recalled the team’s reaction when Raleigh finally got a hit: "We were all screaming for him and it was a lot of relief for sure and I know it felt good for Cal" [2].
The Seattle Mariners have struggled as a team in 2026 as well, holding a losing record near 20-22 and trailing in the AL West division [3].
On May 15, Raleigh extended his hitless streak by going 0-for-4, reaching 36 to 38 hitless at-bats before the breakthrough the next day [1, 3, 2]. The two-hit game on May 16 offers potential momentum as Raleigh works to regain his 2025 form.
