ESPN's Jeff Passan Just Made a Bold Pick About the Mariners That Has Seattle Buzzing
Here's what we know: ESPN's Jeff Passan is picking the Seattle Mariners to reach the World Series this season. Yeah, you read that right. The national baseball guy who sees every team, every pitcher, every lineup is going all in on our Mariners in 2026.
This isn't some random hot take either. Passan has spent the offseason watching what the front office built, studying the rotation, and looking at the roster. And apparently, he thinks Seattle has what it takes to go all the way.
What's Got Passan Convinced
Look, the Mariners just came off a division title and an ALCS appearance. That's real. That's not luck. That's a team that knows how to win close games, handle pressure, and execute when it matters. Cal Raleigh behind the plate, Julio Rodriguez in center field, and a pitching staff that's apparently good enough to get a national guy like Passan talking World Series.
The chatter around the national media has been wild this spring. People are legitimately convinced this rotation could be the best in baseball. That's the kind of confidence that doesn't come from nowhere.
Why This Matters Right Now
Coming into a season with expectations instead of hope? That's a different animal. The Mariners aren't sneaking up on anyone anymore. They're not the feel-good story. They're the team that just won the division and everyone knows it.
Logan Gilbert is set to take the mound on opening day, and from there, the Mariners get to prove whether Passan and the national media are right or just getting caught up in spring fever. Every game matters more when you're supposed to be good. Every loss stings a little harder.
So here's the real question: can this team live up to the hype that ESPN and the national media are already piling on? We're about to find out.
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This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.