Lucas john Raley
- Age: 29
- Weight: 235 lbs, Height: 6'4"
- Major League Debut: 9th April, 2021
- Team: Seattle Mariners
Nuke Raley: Lighting up the League
Born on 19 September 1994, in the small town of Hinckley Ohio, Luke Raley was named as a senior in the Ohio All-State Team during High School, however graduating undrafted.
However, his passion in baseball was not diminished. After enrolling to the Lake Erie College, he played for the Lake Erie Storms during 2014-2016. Throughout his three-year span, he showcased his potential, hitting an average of .379/.654/.471 with 25 home runs. His best record so far came in 2016 when slashing an impressive .424/.741/.471 with 12 homers.
However, his passion in baseball was not diminished. After enrolling to the Lake Erie College, he played for the Lake Erie Storms during 2014-2016. Throughout his three-year span, he showcased his potential, hitting an average of .379/.654/.471 with 25 home runs. His best record so far came in 2016 when slashing an impressive .424/.741/.471 with 12 homers.
2016-2018: Los Angeles Dodgers
In 2016, Raley was picked up by the Dodgers in the seventh round of the MLB Draft. After hitting .625 in the Rookie Arizona League, he was quickly promoted to the Ogden Raptors of the Pioneer League (An independent league not associated to the MLB).
He continued to shine and was able to transfer his batting average, hitting a .417. Raley finished his season in High-A whiling hitting .245. He still had a long way to go.
2018-2020: Minnesota Twins
Although hitting .295 with 62 RBIs in the next season, Raley’s journey took a turn when he was traded to the Minnesota Twin in 2018 along with Devin Smeltzer and Logan Forsythe in exchange for Gold Glove winner Brian Dozier. He hit .275 and .302 consistently in the next two seasons but suffered injuries.
2020-2021: Los Angeles Dodgers
Raley’s consistent performance led him back to the Dodgers in 2020. Although playing no games in 2020, Raley debut on 9 April 2021 as the right field in the eighth inning. He hit .182 with two homers and four RBIs in 33 games.
2022-2023
TAMPA BAY RAYS DEBUT
In 2022, the Rays discovered the raw talent Raley had and traded for him. With the help of the amazing batting coaches, he was able to slash .299/.374/.575 with 7 home runs in 24 games while lowering his strike out rate and most significantly his groundout/ flyout rate.
Although his promotion to the league saw him hit only .197, Raley proved himself once again in the 2023 season, hitting .248/.333/.490 with 19 home runs. His personal high slugging percentage and him being more clutch made him a crucial part of the Rays’ lineup. His occasional piss missiles earned him his nickname “Nuke” Raley.
2024: Seattle Mariners
In the 2023 off-season, Raley was traded to the Seattle Mariners for the much needed shortstop Jose Caballero to replace Wander Franco.
Raley had his highs and lows in his career, although struggling in the majors for quite a period of time, he was able to prove himself in the 2023 season, by far his best season and there is more to go. We hope a very best for him with the Seattle Mariners.
Dated 10th February 2024.