Seattle Mariners fans have yearned for a World Series since the franchises inception, and the 2025 team came heartbreakingly close. With the addition of Eugenio Suarez and Josh Naylor at the trade deadline leading the way.
The regular season was a special one for Seattle, with switch-hitting catcher Cal Raleigh dabbling in the MVP race by way of a 60 home run year, unheard of for the modern day catcher. Along with star centerfielder Julio Rodriguez posting his usual late summer tear. The pitching staff was among the best in the league and anchored by all-star closer Andrés Muñoz. With all this considered, it seemed a deep playoff run was just barely in reach. Everyone knew this, from the front office, to sports media outlets, to the fans. So president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto and general manager Justin Hollander went on the hunt.
On July 24, the Mariners traded two pitching prospects to the Arizona Diamondbacks in exchange for first baseman Josh Naylor. Naylor, 28, a 2024 all-star and fresh off career highs in home runs (31) and RBIs (108). He wasn’t necessarily a flashy superstar name, but he seemed to be exactly what the club needed. Naylor brought a powerful but disciplined presence, who put up a fight night after night, no matter the circumstances.
Seattle was buzzing. Fans saw a glimmer of hope and investment and sports media all over started to recognize how dangerous this ball club was. But Dipoto and Hollander were not done hunting. Enter Eugenio Suarez.
In another trade with the Arizona Diamondbacks, Seattle brought back beloved Mariner Eugenio Suarez, the slugging third baseman.
With Suarez, Naylor, Cal, and Julio, Mariners offense was primed and dangerous. Dipoto said it himself, “This is the best lineup we’ve had since I’ve been here” he said. “Without question.” Reuniting Suarez with Seattle was not only a tactical move, it brought heavy emotion along with. The teams media covered his first day back heavily, showcasing his joyous greetings with teammates and staff. It seemed like the team was brought together and given a spark plug. This chemistry would immediately be put to the test with a close regular season finish, giving Seattle an American League West Division title. Time for October baseball.
In the five-game divisional round, the Detroit Tigers took Seattle to point break, punch after punch being exchanged. Game 5 was an instant classic, lasting fifteen grueling innings before Jorge Polanco sent Seattle to its first championship series in 24 years. The bases-loaded single through the right side will be etched into Mariners fans memory forever, and rightfully so. That game was the longest winner take-all in MLB postseason history, and took everyone in the Mariners dugout to pull it out. Starting pitchers Logan Gilbert and Luis Castillo even came in out of the bullpen in game 5.
Naylor showed his worth in the postseason, with a massive two run home run in ALCS game 2. He also played extraordinary defense at first base making seemingly every play over the twelve game postseason stretch. His veteran pose, quality at bats, and lock down defense put constant pressure on opposing teams, often leading to more oppurtunites for guys around him in the lineup.
Game 5 of the championship series showcased the Mariners beloved slugger to his full extent. Seattle, down in the eighth inning, was itching to explode. Suarez had already homered earlier in the game. And was due up behind Cal. Cal launched a sky high fly ball, that fell just beyond the fence in left field, tying the game and sending T-Mobile park into a frenzy. Later that inning, with the game tied and the bases loaded, Suarez cashed in with a go-ahead grand slam. Seattle was shaking.
The Mariners historic run ended in game 7 of the championship series, with the Bluejays overcoming the 3-2 deficit in the series and advancing to the World Series. This adds to a brutal list of ALCS losses, including 1995, 2000, 2001, and now 2025. Seattle remains the only franchise to never appear in the World Series.
Seattle now looks to the future, with this run being the foundation of something greater. What Dipoto and Hollander did showed intent and pursuit, something the fanbase has longed for. The front office took calculated risks, moved quickly, and gained immense support in the process. This 2025 team, and the two players that arrived in late summer, gave Seattle something to genuinely believe in. Naylor, Arozerena, Rodriguez, and Raleigh all bring the capability of 20/20 seasons and energizing hot streaks. While Cal may never repeat this historic season himself, he is primed to be one of the top catchers in the entire MLB for a very long time.
The hunt for a World Series continues. Oh yeah, Seattle re-signed Josh Naylor to a five year deal, solidifying this window of opportunity alongside the offensive core.