3 bold predictions for the 2025 Mariners season

With Opening Day approaching this Thursday, it’s time to play the prediction game. While fans and analysts across the league are making broad, sweeping forecasts, we’re keeping our focus locked on the Seattle Mariners.

This isn’t about safe bets or expected outcomes, but rather about bold calls that could define the season. Yes, the stars — Julio Rodríguez, Cal Raleigh, and Logan Gilbert — will undoubtedly shape the Mariners’ success. But what about the surprise standouts?

Let’s take a look:

Bryan Woo will emerge as the AL Cy Young winner

It’s no secret the Mariners’ rotation is stacked. Four of their starters rank among FOX Sports' top 20 Cy Young odds:

• Logan Gilbert (No. 4, +1100)
• George Kirby (No. 9, +2500)
• Bryce Miller (No. 17, +5000)
• Bryan Woo (No. 19, +5500)

At first glance, Woo’s odds make sense — he has yet to complete a full MLB season but his dominance last season earned him a spot in these rankings. But let’s take a closer look. Across his first two years in Seattle’s rotation, Woo has quietly built a case for himself with his career statistics:

• 2023: 4-5, 4.21 ERA, 87.2 IP, 92 SO, 1.21 WHIP
• 2024: 9-3, 2.89 ERA, 121.1 IP, 101 SO, 0.90 WHIP
• Career Total: 13-8, 3.44 ERA, 209.0 IP, 194 SO, 1.03 WHIP

Last season, Woo’s 2.89 ERA and wildly low 0.90 WHIP put him in elite company and standing toe-to-toe with 2024 AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal.

The only thing standing between Woo and true ace status? Durability. If he stays healthy for a full season, his numbers suggest he’ll be among the league’s best. And if his 2024 production extends across 30+ starts, it will take another Skubal-level performance from someone else to keep Woo from taking home the Cy Young.

Luke Raley will deliver a 20-20 season

When the Mariners acquired Luke Raley, they weren’t just adding depth — they were bringing in a player with untapped potential. In his first season with Seattle, Raley played 137 games, slashing .243/.320/.463 with 22 home runs, 58 RBIs, and 11 stolen bases.

What really sets Raley apart is his sprint speed. At 28.9 feet per second, he ranks in the 90th percentile of MLB players, proving he has the raw speed to be a serious base-stealing threat. While he hasn’t been a prolific base-stealer in the past, his skill set suggests that Mariners strategy should present more opportunities.

The Mariners are known for maximizing player versatility, and if they fully unleash Raley’s speed alongside his power, a 20-home run, 20-stolen base season should be within his reach. Expect him to rewrite the scouting report on his baserunning ability in 2025.

Bo Bichette will be in a Mariners uniform by season’s end

Bo Bichette’s name has been swirling in trade rumors, and for good reason. The Blue Jays' shortstop has been a cornerstone of their offense since his debut in 2019, stacking up impressive career numbers:

• Career Batting Average: .290
• Hits: 723
• Home Runs: 93
• RBIs: 343
• Runs Scored: 360

However, 2024 was pretty much a disaster for Bichette. Plagued with injuries, he was limited to just 81 games and he struggled to a career-low .225 average with four home runs and 31 RBIs. As free agency approaches for Bichette after the 2025 season, Toronto is faced with some tough decisions.

The Blue Jays have already added infielder Andrés Giménez, committed $92.5 million to Anthony Santander, and locked in catcher Alejandro Kirk for five more years — all while still needing to navigate a future deal with Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Bichette appears to be the odd man out. Various rumors have linked him to different shortstop-needy contenders, but the Mariners — who have lingering infield questions of their own — should be near the top of the list.

If Seattle finds itself in contention midseason and still seeking infield answers, expect them to make a strong push for Bichette. A deadline deal could bring the dynamic shortstop to the Pacific Northwest, providing a much needed spark for the Mariners pushing for a the playoff spot.

The Mariners enter 2025 with sky-high expectations, and these bold predictions highlight just how transformative this season could be. Are these long shots? Maybe. But not necessarily impossible. Now we'll just have to wait and see.