The Mariners kicked off their much-anticipated season with a 6-4 loss to the Guardians. While a defeat is never the ideal start, Mariners fans still found reasons to cheer, thanks to a power-packed performance that echoed last season’s home run heroics.
Last year, Cal Raleigh led the charge with a staggering 60 homers, helping the Mariners finish third in the majors with 238 home runs. Thursday night at T-Mobile Park suggested that the long ball will once again be a staple of their offense in 2026, as the team launched four more into the stands.
Brendan Donovan made a memorable debut, smashing the first Opening Day leadoff home run in Mariners history during their 50th season. Talk about making an entrance!
Dominic Canzone continued the fireworks, building on his best Major League season yet. He put the Mariners ahead briefly in the second inning, and later joined the ranks of Jim Presley, Richie Sexson, and Ken Griffey Jr. by hitting two homers on Opening Day-a feat achieved by only four players in franchise history.
Luke Raley also joined the party with a fifth-inning blast. After a stellar 2024, Raley is aiming for a comeback after an injury-laden 2025. His shot, clocked at 113.8 mph, was one of the hardest-hit balls the Mariners have seen since last season.
With Raleigh, Julio Rodríguez, and Randy Arozarena accounting for over 60% of last year's homers, the Mariners are looking for others to step up. Polanco has moved on, and expectations are tempered for Raleigh and Arozarena, so the emergence of players like Donovan, Canzone, and Raley is crucial.
While the home runs are thrilling, the Mariners will be hoping for more runners on base to maximize their scoring potential. If these new faces can keep the momentum going, fans could be in for an exciting season.