The Seattle Mariners enter the 2025 MLB season with playoff ambitions and a roster loaded with athleticism, versatility, and a healthy mix of veteran leadership and rising stars. Coming off an 85-77 finish in 2024, the Mariners narrowly missed the postseason but spent the winter making targeted upgrades to boost their chances in a competitive AL West. Logan Gilbert, who was quietly one of the most effective starters in the league last year, will take the ball on Opening Day after logging 208.2 innings with 220 strikeouts and a 3.65 ERA. Gilbert’s consistency, velocity, and command make him the ideal tone-setter for a rotation that includes George Kirby, Bryce Miller, and Bryan Woo, all of whom took significant developmental steps last season. Seattle’s front office made key additions to reinforce the bullpen, most notably acquiring Gregory Santos, who joins Andrés Muñoz and Trent Thornton to form a high-octane late-inning trio. On the offensive side, the Mariners are anchored by center fielder Julio Rodríguez, whose 2024 campaign included a .284 average, 33 home runs, and 37 stolen bases—firmly establishing him as one of the most electrifying players in baseball. Rodríguez will be flanked in the outfield by newly acquired Randy Arozarena, who brings World Series experience and power-speed potential, and Víctor Robles, who offers elite defense and upside if healthy.

The infield features J.P. Crawford at shortstop, whose leadership and glove continue to be invaluable, Jorge Polanco at third base in a positional shift from second, and a platoon at first base between Luke Raley and top prospect Tyler Locklear, who brings a powerful right-handed bat to balance the lefty-heavy lineup. Cal Raleigh returns behind the plate as one of the top slugging catchers in the game, coming off a 30-homer season, and will again be a key part of the team’s game-calling and offensive attack. Off the field, the Mariners maintain a strong connection with their fanbase, and Opening Day will be made even more special with Hall of Famer Ichiro Suzuki throwing out the ceremonial first pitch at T-Mobile Park. The Mariners are entering 2025 not just aiming to contend but to win the division outright, relying on one of the deepest pitching staffs in the American League and a lineup that now features more balance, athleticism, and postseason experience than in prior years. Defense has also been a point of emphasis, with Robles and Arozarena strengthening the outfield coverage and Crawford continuing to anchor the infield. Manager Scott Servais has emphasized fundamentals, aggressive baserunning, and better situational hitting—areas that cost the team close games in 2024—and there’s a strong belief inside the clubhouse that those margins will tilt in their favor this year. The Mariners owned a 9-4 record over the Athletics last season and will look to continue their dominance over their AL West rivals as they open the new campaign at home, armed with expectations, reinforcements, and a fanbase ready to see the franchise take the next leap toward sustained postseason success.