The Seattle Mariners are in an exciting era, consistently winning 85-plus games each season since 2021. They're fresh off a campaign that saw them come tantalizingly close to the World Series, and they enter 2026 as one of the top contenders, with FanGraphs giving them the second-best odds, just behind the powerhouse Los Angeles Dodgers.
Yet, despite this promising outlook, The Athletic's 2026 MLB franchise rankings place the Mariners at a surprising 26th. This ranking considers the past 25 years, explaining the low position despite recent successes.
The Athletic's system scores teams based on their annual achievements, from a single point for a wild card loss to nine points for a World Series win. Teams also lose a point for consecutive seasons with at least 90 losses.
Historically, the Mariners have struggled, with a long stretch of underperformance. They endured the fifth-most losses in baseball from 2004 to 2020, missed the playoffs for 20 years, and went 24 years without a division title. This history weighs heavily on their ranking, even as they climb from 27th last year.
Today, Mariners fans have reasons to be optimistic. The team is a solid contender with a strong farm system, a high-potential rotation, and rising stars like Cal Raleigh and Julio Rodríguez, who are shaping a positive culture.
However, the loyal Seattle fanbase, shaped by years of disappointment, remains cautious. The memory of the 2001 season, where hopes were dashed, lingers.
Despite the current success, fans are aware of how quickly fortunes can change. If the Mariners can capitalize on their current window and reach the World Series in 2026, they might just climb higher in next year’s rankings.