A way-too-early Mariners starting lineup projection for 2026 season

The whole point of a “way-too-early” lineup exercise is to annoy yourself on purpose. Because if you’re the Mariners, the roster is close — and that’s exactly why every lineup card projection immediately turns into: “Cool. But where’s the other bat?”

Even the public depth charts basically admit the same thing. FanGraphs’ RosterResource has Seattle’s projected go-to lineup vs. righties starting with Randy Arozarena leading off, then Cal Raleigh, Julio Rodríguez, and Josh Naylor stacked behind him. 

And yeah… Randy in the leadoff spot is the part that might make your eye twitch.

We aren't saying Arozarena is incapable of inflicting damage — we know that’s not true — however the way the lineup will look will be based on which type of "table setter" you are looking for. The leadoff hitter does not simply have to be “fast guy goes brrrr.” It’s an identification as to how you want to start the first inning... via chaos, or by giving your best hitters as many opportunities as possible in the first inning.

This is where the momentum of 2026 will be set in motion. Jerry Dipoto has stated he would like to add another hitter and Seattle's media has reported that Dipoto and the other members of the front office are still working to improve the roster. So when we look at this roster, we're still looking at a work in progress.

So if we’re projecting “too early,” let’s do it assuming one more move is coming, but still trying to sketch the lineup that makes sense if you’re in Peoria this spring.

A way-too-early look at what the Mariners’ 2026 lineup could be

1) Victor Robles, RF

Robles leading off is the cleanest solution if he’s healthy and looks right in camp. It keeps the top of the order contact/pressure-based and lets your boppers hit with traffic. RosterResource currently has him buried in the lower half. We’re bumping him up because that’s the point: optimize the on-base/tempo role instead of forcing Arozarena into it. 

2) Cal Raleigh, C

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Raleigh in the two-spot is a “welcome to Seattle, enjoy being down 2–0” message to opposing pitchers. 

3) Julio Rodríguez, CF

This is where Julio should live: maximum RBI chances, still a ton of plate appearances, and the lineup immediately feels serious.

4) Josh Naylor, 1B

Seattle didn’t hand out a five-year deal with a full no-trade clause to get cute. He’s your cleanup stabilizer. 

5) Randy Arozarena, LF

This is the “let Randy hunt” spot. Less pressure to be the table-setter, more chances to cash in the mess.

6) Eugenio Suárez, 3B/DH

Here’s a hot take that doesn’t even feel that hot: the longer Suárez sits out there unsigned, the more Seattle’s going to stare at the 3B situation and talk themselves into a reunion value deal. He’s still listed among notable free agents, and there’s been explicit chatter connecting the dots back to Seattle’s need at third. 

This time, you can be smarter with it: some 3B, some DH, and you buy yourself more runway for the kids.

7) J.P. Crawford, SS

You want Crawford turning the lineup over, not being asked to be a core run producer every night. 

8) Dominic Canzone, DH

RosterResource has him penciled in as the primary DH right now. Fine — especially if the “real” upgrade bat hasn’t landed yet. 

9) Ryan Bliss, 2B

Yes, we’re putting Bliss over Cole Young for Opening Day — not because Bliss has the higher ceiling, but because the Mariners will love the bankable defense and clean reps early. Cole Young should eventually win this job, but not by April.

This is a version that assumes Seattle uses April to keep the floor steady… then starts sliding prospects into the picture as the year breathes.

This lineup is “too early” because it’s probably missing another hitter, maybe a Brendan Donovan — but it’s also realistic because it shows exactly where the front office still needs to add impact. The leadoff choice is the first domino. Everything else falls into place after that.