In the aftermath of Seattle’s heart-wrenching Game 7 loss to the Blue Jays in the ALCS, emotions were raw. Bryan Woo captured the collective sentiment of the Mariners' faithful with a simple gesture towards the showers, where Julio Rodríguez’s anguished cry echoed-a sound that spoke volumes about the team's near-miss at history.
Fast forward four months, and the Mariners are back in action, kicking off their Cactus League campaign against the Padres. While the sting of last season's close call lingers for players like Cal Raleigh, it also serves as a powerful motivator. For Rodríguez, the focus is already on the future, driven by an insatiable hunger to compete.
This Spring Training feels different-more relaxed, yet charged with purpose. The Mariners, confident in their abilities and potential, are laser-focused on October glory.
Manager Dan Wilson emphasized the importance of staying present and preparing for the challenges ahead. Last season’s heartbreak, while painful, is a catalyst for growth rather than a burden.
Seattle’s recent past has been marked by near misses and lessons learned. They broke a 21-year playoff drought in 2022, only to fall short in 2023 and 2024. Wilson, who took the helm in 2024, has quickly become a beloved figure among the players, blending old-school wisdom with a fresh perspective.
The Game 7 decision to pitch Eduard Bazardo over All-Star Andrés Muñoz was a collective choice by the Mariners' staff. While it didn’t pan out, the team has moved forward, using it as a learning experience.
Raleigh summed up the team’s mindset: they aim to be perennial contenders, with playoffs as a baseline expectation. The Mariners are not just dreaming of the World Series-they’re planning for it.
On paper, their ambitions are well-founded. Seattle enters the season as AL West favorites, backed by strategic offseason moves.
The acquisition of Josh Naylor and trades for Jose A. Ferrer and Brendan Donovan have solidified their roster, signaling a commitment to success.
Logan Gilbert expressed the team’s confidence, stating, “We know we belong, and we’re even better this year.” The Mariners are poised to turn last season’s pain into this year’s triumph, with their eyes firmly set on October.