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Victor Robles of the Seattle Mariners celebrates with teammates after making a diving catch to end the ninth inning against the Houston Astros.
As last season began, the Seattle Mariners found themselves hovering around the middle of most power rankings. One year later, their outlook is dramatically different. Following a breakout 2026 campaign, Seattle enters the new season as a legitimate contender.
Fresh off an AL West title, the Mariners are building on the momentum of their most successful season in franchise history. With the club also celebrating its 50th anniversary, expectations are as high as ever. The ultimate goal remains unchanged: reaching the franchise’s first ever World Series.
Each week, The Athletic compiles power rankings from a panel of local and national writers, evaluating all 30 MLB teams. With Opening Day approaching, these recent rankings offer an early snapshot of how the league views each contender, with Seattle near the top.
Seattle Mariners Surge to T2 to Start the Season
The Mariners enter the season tied for second place alongside the New York Yankees, with both teams earning an average ranking of 3.5. It marks a significant jump from where Seattle began last year and supports the belief that they’re built for a deep postseason run. Adding to the optimism, FanGraphs projects the Mariners have an 80.8% chance of making the playoffs, notably higher than the Yankees’ 70.2%.
Much of that confidence comes from a focused offseason. According to the Athletic, President of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto chose continuity over big moves, ensuring the core of last year’s roster remained intact. The team re-signed first baseman Josh Naylor to a five-year deal, locking him in as a key player. Seattle also added versatility by acquiring Brendan Donovan, whose ability to contribute to multiple positions strengthens both the lineup and defensive flexibility.
Equally important, the Mariners’ pitching rotation remains largely unchanged. This is a critical factor for a team that came close to reaching their first World Series. Stability on the mound, combined with an already solid lineup, gives Seattle one of the most balanced rosters in the MLB.
Seattle Mariners 2025 Season
Of course, Seattle didn’t go unnoticed last season as they secured the AL West. The Mariners were closely linked with the Yankees as Aaron Judge and Cal Raleigh battled for the American League MVP award. Judge ultimately took home the honor, but Raleigh’s historic 60-home run season solidified his place among the game’s elite and helped elevate the Mariners into the spotlight.
Now, Seattle enters the season with high expectations. No longer chasing respect, the Mariners are expected to contend from day one. If they can build on last season’s success and maintain their health and consistency, a deep playoff run and potentially a long-awaited World Series appearance may be within reach.
All the Rankings
T-2. New York Yankees
T-2. Seattle Mariners
T-4. Chicago Cubs
T-4. New York Mets
11. Detroit Tigers
15. Texas Rangers
T-16. Houston Astros
T-16. San Diego Padres
18. Tampa Bay Rays
21. Athletics
22. Cincinnati Reds
24. Miami Marlins
T-25. Minnesota Twins
T-25. St. Louis Cardinals
30. Colorado Rockies
Sydney Jones Sydney Jones is a sports writer covering all things Golf, Mariners, and Seahawks for Heavy.com. She has experience covering the intersection of sports and human interest stories for multiple publications. Originally from Montana, she recently relocated to Seattle and is enjoying the new experience of being surrounding by live professional sports and rooting for a common team while writing about them. More about Sydney Jones
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