Because the Pink Sox method Opening Day, it’s time to start out taking at have a look at the opposite American League playoff contenders. First up, a group that completed with yet another win than the Sox in 2025.
What’s This Staff’s Deal?
After a heartbreaking loss to the Blue Jays in Recreation 7 of the ALCS saved the Mariners from their very first World Sequence, they wish to keep that momentum and do one higher in 2026.
They’re hungry for extra, and it’s not simply the gamers; the entrance workplace has gotten in on the act too. President of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto’s notorious 2023 quote, the place he professed to aiming to win only 54% of the time, typifies the previous method. Not this season. The Mariners imagine their time is now, they usually have made offseason strikes to take cost of their very own future. They locked down Josh Naylor at first base. They signed Brendan Donovan to stabilize third base; each of those gamers enhance the offense as nicely.
Their beginning rotation, which has remained almost unchanged for the previous three seasons, barring fluctuations for accidents, stays higher echelon, although sadly Bryce Miller will probably begin the season on the IL.
Many are already predicting they are going to signify the American League within the World Sequence. At this level, Jon Morosi thinks they’ve probably the most balanced, proficient distribution of gamers of all the teams in the AL.
Current Mariners rosters have leaned into streaky gamers, and a few like Julio Rodriguez, who take time to heat up. This has led them to rely an excessive amount of on Cal Raleigh for offense. In 2026, that weight must be distributed extra evenly with a full yr of Naylor and the addition of Donovan. They’re dependable bats, not simply defensive upgrades. Second-year participant Cole Younger, who will probably begin at second base, had some impressive moments in the summer, together with whaling the longest Mariners house run of the season. An prolonged and ugly stoop price him the beginning job, however spring coaching experiences recommend he used his winter productively, returning as an improved hitter and defender. If he could be a part of the infield turnaround, in addition to present flashy pop now and again, the Mariners may have lastly put the items collectively.
Usually, as with most groups, there’s some uncertainty across the bullpen. Morosi and others be aware that Mariners relievers pitched quite a lot of innings within the postseason, and a number of other (notably Andres Muñoz, Gabe Speier, and Eduard Bazardo) additionally performed within the World Baseball Basic. Did they’ve sufficient time to reset over their shortened offseason? Time will inform. There are a selection of latest relievers, like outdated good friend Alex Hoppe, who’re getting some critical seems in spring coaching. For others, it could be extra just like the entrance workplace kicking the tires. Count on the Mariners to bolster the bullpen on the commerce deadline it doesn’t matter what, no less than as a line of protection towards damage.
The Mariners are filled with likable gamers however for our functions, it comes down to 2:
- Cal Raleigh is the spine of this group. His historic 2025 season included doing nearly all the pieces: supporting the pitching workers, profitable the Dwelling Run Derby, hitting 60 HRs, captaining the group deeper into the postseason than they’ve ever been earlier than, and being probably the most critical MVP runner-up in years. Along with his New England household ties, grinder mentality, and Pink Sox Nation’s potboiling anger over Aaron Choose beating him out for mentioned MVP, he’s the man.
- Rob Refsnyder. I used to be sorry to see him go away Boston, but when he needed to go, I’m glad I can nonetheless watch him with the Mariners.
The entire group is genuinely likable, however Randy Arozarena raised eyebrows throughout the WBC by beefing with Raleigh. (Not his mother and father although! Notably not his parents.) If this pressure doesn’t get resolved or blow over as soon as Arozarena and Raleigh are teammates as soon as once more, Arozarena would be the unhealthy man.
Though the groups have resisted repeated requires high-profile trades with one another, there are a selection of outdated buddies to keep watch over this yr:
- Rob Refsnyder (sniffle)
- Cooper Criswell, who’s off to begin within the Mariners group
- Alex Hoppe, former Sox prospect who might even see the bigs this season as right-handed reduction, however will probably be up and down between Triple-A and Seattle
- Eduard Bazardo, who pitched very nicely within the 2025 postseason
- Gabe Speier, who started his profession with the Pink Sox minor league system, however was traded away years in the past within the bundle for Rick Porcello
Dominic Canzone, Brewster Whitecaps alum.
The Sox and Mariners will face one another within the common season for 2 three-game collection. The Sox go to T-Cell Park June 19-21, whereas the Mariners head to Boston August 31-September 2.
It might be extraordinarily unlikely for Raleigh to repeat with one other individually historic yr, however he’ll channel that competitiveness and drive towards the better good of the group. The AL West is the Mariners’ to lose. Final yr, they had been 90-72 and received the AL West by three video games. With their sturdy pitching and improved general roster, they’ll achieve 5 wins and end the common season 95-67, sitting fairly for a deep run in October. They’ll probably make the Sequence towards the Dodgers, barring some disaster on both facet. And if that occurs, given how well-matched the Blue Jays (who barely escaped the Mariners’ clutches) and Dodgers had been in 2025, it will likely be a good combat.
