Can the Mariners Finally Break Through? Here's What 2026 Could Look Like
The Mariners are swinging for the fences in 2026, and honestly, the talent is there to make a real run at it. After that ALCS push last year, Seattle's got World Series expectations hanging over the team heading into spring. But here's the thing: in baseball, best-case and worst-case scenarios can look wildly different. So let's break down what could happen with this roster.
The Anchors: Raleigh and Naylor
Cal Raleigh had a monster 2025, hitting .247 with a .948 OPS, 60 home runs, and 125 RBIs. The guy fell just short of the AL MVP but came back hungry. Best case? Raleigh runs away with the MVP award in 2026, especially going crazy against the AL West teams where he didn't get a single vote last year. Picture this: 25 homers in just 26 games against Texas and Houston combined. That's the kind of statement season that silences every doubter.
Worst case? The toll of a stressful 2025, a deep postseason run, playing in the World Baseball Classic, and carrying World Series expectations on his shoulders catches up with him. His bat goes cold from the right side, and while it's still a solid season, it's not what the Mariners need to make a real push.
Josh Naylor came over mid-season in 2025 and hit .299 with an .831 OPS in 54 games. The optimistic take: Naylor's success carries into a full 2026 season where he becomes an All-Star and provides the perfect balance to this lineup. He's got his buddy Tucker, the team dog, keeping him happy. But if things go south? He doesn't adjust well to T-Mobile Park over a full season, strikeouts climb, hits drop, and he becomes a cautionary tale of a mid-season acquisition that didn't pan out.
The Depth Questions
Cole Young played 77 games in 2025 with a .211 average and a .607 OPS. In the best timeline, his first full season in the majors is a breakout. His bat works against both righties and lefties, his defense jumps from last year, and his plate discipline makes him invaluable at the bottom of the order.
Worst case? That limited playing time late last season stunts his development, and Seattle has to send him back to the minors.
J.P. Crawford is entering free agency after playing all 157 games last year. Best case: He shows he's still got life in his legs, his defense improves (especially his throwing), and the Mariners don't have to think about replacing him yet. Worst case? Shoulder issues surface in spring training and linger into midseason, forcing Seattle to make a move on their longest-tenured player.
Brendan Donovan arrived as the piece that was supposed to elevate this team. Best case? He thrives at both second and third, becomes an elite leadoff hitter, and proves to be the move that pushes the Mariners to the top of the AL. Worst case? He doesn't adapt, his numbers dip, strikeouts climb, and the excitement around his arrival fizzles.
What's Next
The Mariners have the roster to compete for a pennant. But baseball doesn't care about potential, it cares about results. Let's see which versions of these guys show up.
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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.