The Mariners have been a hot topic in Seattle following the start of the MLB season just a few weeks ago. All eyes are on the field for the first time since their widely celebrated success in the 2025 playoffs, hoping to build off of the momentum of last season, notable changes are already taking place in Seattle baseball.

At the end of last season, ecstatic fans filled T-mobile park to witness the first players in history to bring Seattle so deep in the playoffs. The Mariners advanced to the American League Championship Series (ALCS) for the first time in over 20 years during their historic 2025 run.

Unfortunately, the Mariners’ miraculous season ended one run short of going to the World Series for the first time when the American League’s number one ranked team, the Toronto Blue Jays, defeated the Mariners 4-3 in game seven of the ALCS on Oct. 20, 2025.

With the Mariners climbing the ranks and the Seahawks claiming the Super Bowl title shortly after, it’s safe to say Seattle sports fans have started this year with high hopes. The Seattle baseball season officially kicked off on March 26, when the Mariners hosted Cleveland at T-Mobile Park, directly following a pre-game ceremony celebrating their 2025 AL West division championship.

The Mariners started the 2026 season with a 6-4 loss to the Guardians, and have struggled thus far to start the season. The Mariners currently sit in last place in the AL West with a 4-9 record. They, however, have plenty of time to right the ship, as last season they started 4-8 on the season, and ended the season as division champions and just shy of a World Series appearance.

A major highlight among fans this season has been increased access to viewing and listening to games. Mariners TV has now replaced ROOT Sports as the primary streaming method, giving baseball fans an improved experience while watching from home.

“We are continually looking for ways to assure Mariners baseball is accessible to as many fans as possible,” said Mariners senior vice president of marketing and communications, Gregg Greene, when discussing this change.

Major shifts are also happening in the broadcasting world as Rick Rizzs enjoys his final season with the Mariners. Rizzs made his Mariners radio debut back in 1983 before permanently staying with Seattle onwards of 1995, becoming the longest-tenured broadcaster in Mariners history.

As far as on-the-field changes, the 2026 Mariners roster is slightly tweaked, with the additions of third-baseman Brendan Donovan (acquired from STL); left-handed pitcher Jose A. Ferrer (acquired from WSH); and the promotion and integration of top-prospect, and 21st overall selection in the 2022 draft, second-baseman Cole Young.

With a new season, new players, and new ways for fans to experience Seattle baseball, this season is sure to be an exciting one for Mariners fans. And while the long baseball season is barely underway, only time will tell if the 2026 Mariners can build off the success and momentum of last season, vaulting Seattle to the ultimate goal – their first World Series appearance and title.