4 reasons the Mariners are thriving, and 4 things holding them back

4 reasons the Mariners are thriving

Power output

Let’s start with the long ball. Through the early part of the season, the Mariners have launched 34 home runs — tied for the fifth-most in Major League Baseball. That’s no small feat, especially for a team playing half its games in the pitcher-friendly confines of T-Mobile Park.

This power surge hasn’t come from just one or two players either. Though largely carried by Cal Raleigh (MLB-high-tying nine home runs) and his torpedo bat, Dylan Moore (five) has been on a tear recently and guys like Randy Arozarena, Jorge Polanco and Rowdy Tellez (four each) have added to the cause. Julio Rodríguez's career norm of struggling through April continues (three homers), though an 11.8 walk percentage might indicate a more mature plate approach.

Outside of Raleigh, everyone else's power output makes it harder for opposing pitchers to pitch around anyone in particular. When a lineup can hit from top to bottom, it only takes one mistake to flip a game. The home run ball has given the Mariners a way to score in a hurry — something that’s especially valuable when the offense is otherwise struggling to string together hits.

Old School baseball

One thing that has nearly left the game of baseball is the stolen base. Another way to put yourself in scoring position, this is something that Seattle hasn't taken advantage of in the past.

As things currently stand, the Mariners are using the stolen base to full effect, thanks in large part to a new face. With 33 stolen bases so far (third-most in the majors), Seattle has embraced a more aggressive style of play. Gone are the days of station-to-station baseball, waiting for the long ball; now, they’re swiping bags, taking extra bases, and putting constant pressure on opposing batteries.

This isn’t just about raw speed either. It’s about timing, instincts, and knowing when to take a risk. Even guys you wouldn’t peg as burners are getting in on the action, as Raleigh is notably on pace to break the Mariners catcher stolen base record (seven) with three already. This aggressive approach forces pitchers to divide their attention, keeps defenses on edge, and creates more opportunities to score without needing a hit. It’s also a perfect complement to their power: if the home runs aren’t flying, they can still manufacture runs the old-fashioned way.

Continued patience at the plate

One of the most encouraging signs from this Mariners squad is their discipline at the plate. With 103 walks (fourth in the league), the team has shown a real willingness to grind out at-bats and wait for their pitch.

This is a stark contrast from recent years, when impatient approaches and chasing pitches out of the zone were constant issues. Now, Mariners hitters are taking what pitchers give them and forcing them into deep counts. The benefits of this approach are twofold: not only does it lead to more baserunners and scoring opportunities, but it also wears down starting pitchers faster and brings bullpens into the game earlier.

Patience at the plate is contagious, and it speaks to a lineup that’s buying into a smarter, more sustainable offensive philosophy. Even when the hits aren’t falling, drawing walks gives this team a fighting chance in every inning.

Keeping it on the ground

On the pitching side, the Mariners are doing something extremely well: keeping the ball on the ground. Their pitching staff leads the American League with a 47.4 ground-ball percentage, which is a huge reason they’ve been able to stay in games. Ground balls typically result in weaker contact, fewer extra-base hits, and plenty of double play opportunities — exactly what you want if your defense can handle it (we’ll get to that part later).

The starters, in particular, have been effective at pounding the strike zone low and inducing grounders. Logan Gilbert has made a habit of generating soft contact, while the bullpen has followed suit with sinkers and sliders designed to keep the ball down. This ground ball approach limits big innings and keeps pitch counts low, giving the Mariners a chance to stay competitive even on nights when their offense isn’t firing on all cylinders.