Cal Raleigh and Aaron Judge going for history as AL playoff picture continues to form
USA TODAY Sports’ Gabe Lacques breaks down the storylines to watch in the AL as the MLB seasons winds down.
Sports Pulse
The Seattle Mariners secured a playoff spot on Sept. 23, but there are still meaningful games to be played as they try to win their first division title since 2001.
That could happen today, Sept. 24, with either a Mariners win against the Colorado Rockies or a loss by the Houston Astros against the Athletics, Sports Illustrated reported.
Here’s what to know about the Mariners’ playoff picture entering play on Sept. 24 and how to tune in to the Mariners’ Wednesday night game against the Rockies.
When was the last time the Mariners made the playoffs?
The last time the Mariners made the playoffs was in 2022. The team was the No. 5 seed, defeating the No. 4 Toronto Blue Jays in the American League Wild Card Series before falling to the No. 1 seed Houston Astros in the AL Division Series, according to MLB.com.
Before that, the Mariners made the playoffs in 2001, beating the then-named Cleveland Indians in the ALDS before falling to the New York Yankees in the AL Championship Series.
How many games do the Mariners have left?
Going into play on Wednesday, Sept. 24, the Mariners have five games remaining in the 2025 MLB regular season.
Sept. 24: Rockies vs. Mariners, 6:40 p.m. PTSept. 25: Rockies vs. Mariners, 6:40 p.m. PTSept. 26: Dodgers vs. Mariners, 6:40 p.m. PTSept. 27: Dodgers vs. Mariners, 6:40 p.m. PTSept. 28: Dodgers vs. Mariners, 12:10 p.m. PTHow to watch Mariners vs Rockies for Sept. 24Date: Wednesday, Sept. 24Time: 6:40 p.m. PTLocation: T-Mobile ParkTV Channel: ROOT Sports NWStream: ROOT Sports StreamRadio: Seattle Sports (710 AM)Mariners vs Rockies probable pitchers for Sept. 24Mariners: RHP Luis Castillo (10-8, 3.63 ERA)Rockies: RHP Tanner Gordon (6-7, 6.00 ERA)When does the 2025 MLB postseason start?
The 2025 MLB postseason starts Tuesday, Sept. 30, with a slate of Wild Card Series games.
Stream the Wild Card playoffs on ESPN+
Who will be on the Mariners’ playoff roster?
Teams need to turn in a 26-man roster before each round of the postseason, according to the MLB. Any player who was on a team’s 40-man roster or 60-day injured list as of 9 a.m. PT Sept. 1 is eligible for the postseason.
MLB reporter Daniel Kramer put together a possible Mariners postseason roster in a Sept. 23 playoff explainer:
Catchers (2): Cal Raleigh, Mitch GarverFirst baseman (1): Josh NaylorSecond baseman (1): Jorge PolancoThird baseman (1): Eugenio SuarezShortstop (1): J.P. CrawfordOutfielders (3): Julio Rodriguez, Randy Arozarena, Victor RoblesDH/Utility (4): Dominic Canzone, Luke Raley, Leo Rivas, Cole YoungStarters (5): Bryan Woo, Logan Gilbert, George Kirby, Luis Castillo, Bryce MillerRelievers (8): Andres Munoz, Matt Brash, Gabe Speier, Eduard Bazardo, Carlos Vargas, Caleb Ferguson, Emerson Hancock, Luke JacksonMLB playoff bracket if season ended today, Sept. 24
(If the season ended today)
American LeagueByes: Blue Jays, MarinersAL wild card seriesTigers at GuardiansRed Sox at YankeesNational LeagueByes: Brewers, PhilliesNL wild card seriesMets at DodgersPadres at CubsAL wild card standings
Top three reach playoffs
New York Yankees (89-68): +4 gamesBoston Red Sox (86-71) + 1 gameDetroit Tigers (85-72)Houston Astros (84-73): 1 GBNL wild card standings
Top three reach playoffs
Chicago Cubs (88-69): +7 games // clinched postseason berthSan Diego Padres (87-71): +5½ games // clinched postseason berthNew York Mets (81–76)Cincinnati Reds (80-77): 1 GBArizona Diamondbacks (80-77): 1 GBSt. Louis Cardinals (78-80): 3.5 GBMiami Marlins (77-80): 4 GBSan Francisco Giants (77-81): 4.5 GBAL EastToronto Blue Jays (90-67) – clinched postseason berthNew York Yankees (89-68): 1 game back // clinched postseason berthBoston Red Sox (86-71): 4 GBAL CentralCleveland Guardians (85-72) – holds head-to-head tiebreaker vs TigersDetroit Tigers (85-72)AL WestSeattle Mariners (88-69) – clinched postseason berthHouston Astros (84-73): 4 GBNL EastPhiladelphia Phillies (92-65) – clinched NL East titleNew York Mets (81-76)NL CentralMilwaukee Brewers (95-63) – clinched NL Central titleChicago Cubs (88-69)NL WestLos Angeles Dodgers (88-69) – clinched postseason berthSan Diego Padres (87-71): 1½ GB – clinched postseason berth
Contributing: USA TODAY