Mariners Best Start Since 2001

  The Seattle Mariners, who had a questionable off-season with no major moves other than a new contract for Jorge Polanco  to play third and a last-minute decision to part ways with Mitch Haniger, have made quite the commotion to start the 2025 season. 

  The decision to replace Mitch Haniger in right field with Victor Robles, who came to Seattle from the Nationals last year, was criticized when Robles suffered a fractured shoulder on April 6th in San Francisco. The Mariners have continued to have issues replacing Robles. Initially re-calling Dominic Canzone from Triple-A to fill the void in right field, his time back in the majors was limited and he was sent back to Tacoma on April 13th.  Luke Raley moved from first base to right field to replace him and is a comfortable fit but likely not a permanent solution. This opened up first for Rowdy Tellez who has been platooning with Donovan Solano. Tellez is adequate on first and allows management to shift their focus to other positions.  

  Mariners starting second baseman Ryan Bliss who looked promising in the few starts he had last season and in spring training this year was also injured early on in the season, suffering from a torn left bicep that required surgery. Bliss will miss well over half the season if he returns at all this year.  The Mariners replaced bliss with infielder Leo Rivas who was originally a replacement for Polanco, who is suffering knee issues, on third.

  Struggling with several injuries, Seattle's only viable option has been to utilize Rivas and Utility Players Dylan Moore and Miles Mastrobuoni to share the responsibility of second and third and so far, it has worked out for them. 

   Despite initial struggle in their Outfield, Seattle has fought hard to stay on top with their offense. Catcher Cal Raleigh is currently tied for first in the home run race with Yankees superstar Aaron Judge and Phillies Kyle Schwarber at 12 home runs (HR) so far this season.  Jorge Polanco is also putting in work with 9 home runs and 27 runs batted in (RBI).  Polanco only has 92 at bats (AB), nonetheless he holds the highest batting average (BA) on the team at .348 and third highest on-base percentage (OPB) of .396 behind second-baseman Leo Rivas who only has 41 AB and an OPB of .471 and Shortstop J.P Crawfords .408. 

   It's no secret that the Mariners were coming into the season with one of the top pitching rotations in MLB but with Opening day starter Logan Gilbert out with a flexor strain and right-hander George Kirby working his way back from a shoulder issue that has delayed his season debut and resulted in him being slated to begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Tacoma, pressure has fallen on starters Bryan woo and Luis Castillo. However, no one has caught our eye more than Reliever Andrés Muñoz.  Muñoz has now pitched in 18 games and has a 0.00 earned run average (ERA) and 13 saves this season. 

  The Seattle Mariners have won nine consecutive series, which is a franchise record for the most consecutive series wins after losing the first game and are first in the AL West with a record of 22-14 (6th in MLB). This is the best start to a season they have had since 2001, the best season in Mariner's history with 116 wins and only 46 losses.  We are already seeing a record-breaking year for the M's but it is still too early to determine whether or not they can keep up their momentum. There are a lot of moving parts including Manager Dan Wilsons ability to lead them into the post season. He hasn't had the opportunity until now and it will be interesting to see his potential grow throughout the year alongside the team.