The Seattle Mariners were tantalizingly close to representing the American League in last year’s World Series, only to be halted by the Toronto Blue Jays. As the 2026 season unfolds, the Mariners have largely retained their core roster, though they bid farewell to key players Eugenio Suárez and Jorge Polanco.
To fill the void, they’ve brought in Brendan Donovan through a savvy three-team trade involving the St. Louis Cardinals and Tampa Bay Rays.
Seattle’s pitching rotation is brimming with youthful talent, led by the dynamic duo of Bryan Woo and Logan Gilbert. Mariners fans have plenty to be excited about, especially with the anticipation of a rare three-game series against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium, slated for just after the All-Star break.
Julio Rodríguez, the Mariners’ star outfielder, is particularly eager for the showdown with the Dodgers. He shared his enthusiasm, saying, “I think we’re going to size up really well on the field.
That’s where we’ll do all the talk.” This series marks the only regular-season meeting between the two teams, unless they cross paths in the World Series.
In the midst of ongoing discussions about the Dodgers’ impact on the league’s competitive balance, Rodríguez offered his perspective: “I think they’re doing something good. They’re investing where they need to invest.
They want to be able to compete. I think it’s going to be really exciting to face them this next season.”
Since Rodríguez’s debut in 2022, the Dodgers have maintained an undefeated record in nine games against the Mariners. As the Dodgers continue to be a formidable force, they aim to extend this streak, with the spotlight growing ever brighter on their team.
In a fitting close to the 2025 regular season, the Dodgers swept the Mariners, marking a significant milestone for Clayton Kershaw. The legendary pitcher notched his 223rd win in what was his final regular-season start, capping off an illustrious career with a 2.53 ERA over 455 games (451 starts).