Cal Raleigh powered the Seattle Mariners to their very first AL West champion in 24 years Wednesday night, striking 2 crowning achievement to bring his season overall to a significant league-leading 60. The switch-hitting catcher’s heroics assisted Seattle protect a 9-2 success over the Colorado Rockies, clinching the 4th department crown in the franchise’s 49-year history.
Seattle, the only MLB group yet to appear in a World Series, last won the AL West in 2001, a season highlighted by Ichiro Suzuki’s record-setting novice project. Like that group, this Mariners team’s success was sustained by more than simply one gamer. In addition to Raleigh, the 2025 lineup functions 4 other All-Stars: outfielders Randy Arozarena and Julio RodrÃguez, right-hander Bryan Woo, and closer Andrés Muñoz.
Regardless of this skill, Seattle got in the mid-summer break hardly above.500. To reinforce the group, President of Baseball Operations Jerry Dipoto obtained punching 3rd baseman Eugenio Suárez and flexible very first baseman Josh Naylor from Arizona. Considering that the trade due date, the Mariners have actually gone 31-17, with Naylor providing late-game heroics to clinch a playoff area.
The Mariners’ success isn’t simply offending. Injuries to beginners Logan Gilbert, George Kirby, Bryce Miller, and Logan Evans evaluated the rotation, however Luis Castillo has actually been stable, and Bryan Woo broke out in his very first All-Star season, leading Seattle in wins, innings pitched, strikeouts, and WAR.
Looking ahead, Woo’s accessibility will be essential for the postseason as Seattle chases its very first World Series look. While the franchise has actually never ever advanced past the AL Championship Series, this group has depth, numerous All-Stars, and an effective lineup. Raleigh might control headings, however Seattle’s well balanced lineup offers it a possibility to compose a brand-new chapter in franchise history and goal greater in October.