Season after season, the Seattle Mariners have watched as rival teams soared to success, leaving them in the dust. The high point came in 2001 when the Mariners clinched their third division title, amassing a record-breaking 116 wins and transforming Safeco Field into the must-visit venue from April until October. Fans were led to believe that this success could be a permanent fixture. However, the reality of Major League Baseball is that success can often be fleeting.
As players age and opponents improve, the dynamics of the game shift. Business decisions often overshadow baseball strategies, and poor choices can have lasting effects. For the Mariners, 24 seasons passed without a division title, a frustrating trend that saw other teams like the Los Angeles Angels, Houston Astros, Texas Rangers, and Oakland Athletics take turns atop the division. The Angels rebranded themselves, the Astros found success after a rebuilding phase, and the Rangers enjoyed greater success than their neighboring NFL team, the Cowboys. Meanwhile, the Mariners lingered in mediocrity, with some seasons being disappointingly unwatchable.
After years of inadequate performance, the Mariners embarked on a true rebuilding effort following a promising 2018 season. They no longer wanted to merely compete for wild cards; their sights were set on division titles. The turning point came with a drought-breaking postseason appearance in 2022, where they secured a series win in the wild card round. However, the following seasons proved more challenging than anticipated, leading to further disappointment.
Yet, the tide shifted dramatically with a decisive 9-2 victory over the Rockies, marking a significant milestone: the Mariners, under the leadership of executives Jerry Dipoto and Justin Hollander, had finally realized their goal of becoming the American League West champions in 2025. The moment was particularly poignant for Dan Wilson, the veteran catcher from the iconic 2001 team, who now manages the current squad. “It just feels really good,” Wilson expressed, fighting back tears of joy as his team celebrated the momentous achievement.
In the dugout, Wilson shared an emotional hug with Edgar Martinez, another legend from the 2001 team, who had returned to help reshape the team's hitting philosophy. Martinez commended Wilson’s level-headed leadership, saying, “He’s been incredible...the way he leads his team has been awesome to watch.”
Just 24 hours after clinching their postseason spot, Mariners’ rising stars Cal Raleigh and Julio Rodríguez set the tone for victory, launching back-to-back home runs in the first inning to electrify the crowd of 42,883 at T-Mobile Park. “This is so much better,” Rodríguez remarked, expressing the pride of being the best team in the division. “There is some building in this city right now. Everybody knows we have the team.”
The night turned into a joyous celebration as the team continued to dominate, with stellar pitching from Luis Castillo and consistent run support. Rookie catcher Harry Ford even made his debut in the final inning, a fitting moment for a team that has built a strong foundation. Raleigh, now the face of the franchise, further solidified his legacy by hitting his 60th home run of the season. “I didn’t know if I was going to hit 60 in my life,” Raleigh said, reflecting on his historic achievement.
His accomplishment places him among only seven players in Major League history to hit 60 home runs in a season. “I marvel at what he’s doing,” Dipoto stated, advocating for Raleigh’s rightful recognition as the MVP of the league. The chants of “MVP! MVP! MVP!” echoed throughout the stadium, a testament to Raleigh’s remarkable performance both offensively and defensively.
As the Mariners celebrated their division title, the players were quick to emphasize that this was just the beginning. They understand the significance of their achievement but are focused on what lies ahead. Dipoto expressed hope for raising a championship banner soon, stating, “I hope there’s a couple more titles on it before it goes up there.” The team is poised for greater success, with ambitions set on winning the World Series. Raleigh encapsulated the sentiment perfectly: “We might as well go win the whole (expletive) thing.”
With a lineup anchored by Raleigh, bolstered by Rodríguez, and strengthened by strategic additions like Josh Naylor and Eugenio Suárez, the Mariners are ready to tackle the postseason. The 2025 season marks a new dawn for the Seattle Mariners, who are eager to reclaim their place in baseball history and bring a championship back to the Pacific Northwest.
