As we gear up for a new season, there's a buzz of excitement surrounding the Seattle Mariners' offense-a feeling that's been a long time coming. Historically, the Mariners haven't exactly been offensive powerhouses, ranking no higher than seventh in the AL in scoring from 2017 to 2024.
But last year, they made a significant leap to fourth in the league, thanks to a combination of power and speed. With 238 home runs, they ranked third in MLB, and they also excelled in stolen bases and walks.
However, as we look to 2026, there are some concerns about maintaining that offensive momentum, particularly in the power department. The departures of Jorge Polanco and Eugenio Suárez leave a gap, and while Cal Raleigh, Julio Rodríguez, and Randy Arozarena have the potential to hit 30 homers each, expecting another 60-homer season from "Big Dumper" might be a stretch. Beyond these sluggers, the rest of the roster doesn't seem poised to challenge the 20-homer mark.
If the pitching staff returns to its 2024 form, any offensive dip might fly under the radar. But to stay competitive, the Mariners need to enhance their situational hitting.
Now, situational hitting might not always get the spotlight, but it's crucial. Sure, Babe Ruth showed us the power of the long ball, but when runners are in scoring position, execution matters.
Last season, the Mariners' .235 average in these situations ranked 26th in MLB, and their productive outs percentage was dead last at 24.7. These numbers are far from ideal, and improving them could make a significant difference.
While no one's suggesting the Mariners suddenly start bunting more, having a versatile offense that can adapt to different game situations is key. When baserunners are scarce, every little advantage counts.
The Mariners' offense doesn't need a complete overhaul in situational hitting. You still want Raleigh, Rodríguez, and Arozarena swinging for the fences and stealing bases when they can.
However, having Brendan Donovan and Josh Naylor for the full season could be a game-changer. Both are known for grinding out tough at-bats and minimizing strikeouts, areas where the Mariners struggled last year.
With Donovan and Naylor's contributions, the Mariners could emulate the 2025 Toronto Blue Jays, who combined power with efficiency, leading MLB with a .292 average with runners in scoring position and ranking fifth in productive outs.
Another area for improvement is the Mariners' performance at T-Mobile Park. Their .702 OPS at home ranked 22nd in MLB, compared to a stellar .776 OPS on the road, which was second-highest. While T-Mobile Park has always been challenging for hitters, focusing on controllable factors like situational hitting could pay dividends.
Ultimately, while relying less on the long ball, the Mariners have the potential to craft a more well-rounded and effective offense in 2026.