Seattle’s first AL West championship in two decades sets the stage for a postseason driven by offensive strength.
SEATTLE, Washington (AP) — The wait is over. For the first time since 2001, the Seattle Mariners are champions of the American League West — and they’re entering the postseason with a lineup built to make noise.
This isn’t the same Seattle team that once leaned solely on pitching and defense to survive tight games. This version hits — hard, often, and from all angles. After years of searching for offensive balance, the Mariners finally bring a lineup capable of carrying them through October.
And at the heart of that surge stands Cal Raleigh, the switch-hitting catcher whose breakout season has made him the defining force of Seattle’s new identity.
Raleigh’s Power Sets the Tone
Raleigh has become the Mariners’ tone-setter — a catcher with the bat of a cleanup hitter and the confidence of a captain. His home runs have shifted games and ignited crowds. When he connects, there’s little doubt, and when he leads, the lineup follows.
He’s developed into one of the most dangerous hitters in the American League, combining patience and power in equal measure. Every big moment seems to find him, and more often than not, he delivers.
Behind him, Julio Rodríguez remains the spark. His blend of speed, strength, and showmanship drives Seattle’s offense. When Rodríguez reaches base, the pressure mounts. His energy and presence turn innings into rallies and rallies into runs.
A Lineup with No Easy Outs
This is the most complete lineup the Mariners have fielded in years. Randy Arozarena, whose postseason track record speaks for itself, brings energy and fearlessness to the middle of the order. He thrives under bright lights and has already shown a knack for coming through when it matters.
Eugenio Suárez provides stability and veteran leadership. His balanced approach and right-handed power give the lineup structure, while his ability to grind out at-bats keeps pitchers honest.
Josh Naylor, the left-handed slugger, rounds out the heart of the order. His aggressive style, quick bat, and clutch hitting have made him a perfect fit for Seattle’s power-first identity. Naylor’s emotion and intensity have also become a rallying point inside the clubhouse.
Together, Raleigh, Rodríguez, Arozarena, Suárez, and Naylor form a lineup that can win in multiple ways — not just with home runs, but with persistence. They might not lead the league in power numbers, but they hit with impact when it matters most.
Wilson’s Steady Hand
First-year manager Dan Wilson has guided this transformation with composure and clarity. A former catcher and longtime franchise cornerstone, Wilson has emphasized discipline without limiting aggression. His approach is built on smart swings, selective patience, and trust in his players’ strengths.
Wilson’s even temperament has anchored a roster full of young talent and veterans alike. Under his leadership, the Mariners have found a rhythm — one that balances their power with purpose.
Woo’s Injury Clouds Rotation Depth
While the bats headline Seattle’s playoff story, the pitching staff enters the postseason shorthanded. Bryan Woo, one of the Mariners’ brightest young arms, was left off the American League Division Series roster due to a lingering pectoral injury.
Woo’s steady presence behind Luis Castillo, Logan Gilbert, and George Kirby made the rotation one of the most reliable in the league. His absence forces Seattle to adjust, leaning more heavily on bullpen depth and hoping its top starters can handle extended workloads.
The bullpen, led by Andrés Muñoz, remains a strength. Muñoz’s triple-digit fastball and devastating slider have made him one of the most dominant closers in baseball. With Woo sidelined, Seattle’s best protection will be early run support — something this offense can deliver.
Built for the Moment
For the first time in a generation, the Mariners look like a team made for October. Their rotation is strong, their bullpen is trusted, but it’s the bats that define them now.
Raleigh is the anchor. Rodríguez is the energy. Arozarena, Suárez, and Naylor supply the force. Together, they’ve given Seattle something it hasn’t had in years — a lineup capable of dictating games rather than reacting to them.
The drought is over, but the mission isn’t. The Mariners aren’t here to celebrate reaching October. They’re here to make it last.
If Cal Raleigh keeps swinging like he has all season, there’s no telling how far this team can go.
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