Constructing the ideal Mariners lineup ahead of Opening Day

With less than two weeks until Opening Day, MLB teams are finalizing their rosters, making the kind of decisions that can define the early part of the season.

While trimming down to a 40-man roster is a necessary step, the real challenge lies in constructing an Opening Day lineup that maximizes offensive production while maintaining defensive stability. For the Seattle Mariners, the stakes are particularly high. With key platoon pieces in the infield and lingering uncertainty at second base, the lineup is far from set.

If they want to take the next step in their postseason aspirations, they’ll need an optimized batting order. Let’s break down the best possible lineup that allows the Mariners to thrive in 2025.

Spots 1-4: Obvious choices at the top of the order

(Victor Robles, Julio Rodríguez, Randy Arozarena, Cal Raleigh)

Barring any surprises, the Mariners’ top four should be locked in with these names. Leading the charge is Robles, who provides the spark Seattle has desperately needed at the top of the order.

He ressurrected his career in 2024, slashing .307/.381/.433 while collecting 78 hits, 20 doubles, four home runs, and an impressive 34 stolen bases across 91 games. His speed, elite contact skills, and baserunning IQ make him the perfect table-setter.

J-Rod slots in behind him as the undisputed No. 2 hitter. This isn’t just about keeping him in a comfortable spot; it’s about putting him in the best possible position to maximize his power-speed combination. Rodríguez excels in this role, offering protection for Robles while remaining a threat to drive in runs and keep the pressure on pitchers.

Arozarena and Raleigh are dangerous in their own right in the heart of the order. Arozarena brings his trademark clutch bat, blending power and on-base ability, while "Big Dumper" provides game-changing damage with one swing. Depending on matchups determined by lefty/righty splits, expect some shuffling between Arozarena and Raleigh in the cleanup spot.

Spots 5-6: Underrated power sources in the middle of the order

(Luke Raley, Jorge Polanco)

Some may consider Raley batting fifth a bit high, but he’s an underrated and crucial part of Seattle’s offensive attack. A late bloomer, the 30-year-old will take over as the Mariners' everyday first baseman after steadily improving each year since his 2022 debut with Tampa Bay.

After being traded from the Rays in exchange for José Caballero, Raley thrived in his first full season with the Mariners. His success was fueled by his elite bat speed — averaging 75.0 mph (89th percentile) — and surprising aggression on the base paths. His 90.1 mph average exit velocity and 11 percent barrel rate (75th percentile) prove that his power is legit. Slotting him into the fifth spot ensures he gets enough RBI opportunities while still maintaining a solid presence in the middle of the order.

Following him is Polanco, a player the Mariners are betting on for a bounce-back season. After struggling through nagging injuries and posting career-low numbers in 2024, the veteran infielder is poised for a resurgence. Entering his 12th MLB season, Polanco is determined to prove that last year was an anomaly. If he finds his rhythm again, the sixth spot in the order will serve as an ideal place for him to extend rallies and add balance to the lineup.

Spots 7-9: Wild cards at the bottom of the order

(Mitch Haniger/Mitch Garver, Ryan Bliss, J.P. Crawford)

The seventh spot will likely rotate between Haniger, Garver, and even Donovan Solano. Haniger would be the sentimental pick for Opening Day, but Garver’s red-hot spring training makes him an early candidate to force his way into a regular DH role. Given both Garver and Haniger's struggles last season, alongside Solano’s uncertain production, keeping this spot flexible makes sense.

The battle at second base remains unsettled, but Bliss appears to be the frontrunner over Dylan Moore, whose spring has been abysmal. While conventional thinking would place Bliss in the ninth spot as a rookie, the Mariners should explore a different strategy by utilizing Crawford in that role instead.

Why Crawford Should Hit Ninth, Not Sixth

At first glance, dropping the Mariners' former leadoff man to the ninth spot might seem like a demotion. However, strategically, it could be a game-changer for Seattle.

Manager Dan Wilson hasn’t hinted at this move yet, as whenever Robles and Crawford are both in the lineup, Robles has led off while Crawford typically bats sixth. But here’s the case for hitting him ninth:

• Crawford has one of the best eyes at the plate and is an incredibly difficult out.
• Putting him at the bottom creates a seamless transition from the nine-hole back to the top with Robles and Rodríguez.
• This forces pitchers to stay locked in for longer stretches instead of getting a mental breather against a weak bottom third of the order.
• Instead of an easy inning before flipping the lineup over, opposing pitchers would have to deal with Crawford, Robles, and potentially J-Rod, who could capitalize off a mentally fatigued pitcher when he comes to the plate.

For years, the bottom of the order has been an Achilles' heel for the Mariners. This new structure could flip that narrative, ensuring that pitchers never get a break from top to bottom.

Some of these choices may be outside the norm, but stylistically, this lineup construction gives the Mariners the best chance to maximize their offensive identity.

Projected Opening Day Lineup:

1. Victor Robles (CF) – Speed and elite contact skills at the top.
2. Julio Rodríguez (RF) – The Mariners’ best hitter, thriving in the two-spot.
3. Randy Arozarena (LF) – Clutch bat with the ability to hit for power and average.
4. Cal Raleigh (C) – The power-hitting anchor, capable of game-changing moments.
5. Luke Raley (1B) – An underappreciated hitter with sneaky power and speed.
6. Jorge Polanco (2B) – A bounce-back candidate looking to re-establish his value.
7. Mitch Garver/Mitch Haniger (DH) – A flexible platoon spot based on matchups.
8. Ryan Bliss (2B) – A promising rookie who could stick in the everyday lineup.
9. J.P. Crawford (SS) – A tough out at the bottom, setting up the top of the order.

Seattle is built on pitching and defense, but if this lineup can generate consistent offensive production, they’ll be a serious contender in 2025.

Will the Mariners embrace this aggressive approach? We'll have to wait and see how it plays out. But if they do, expect this lineup to be one that keeps opposing teams on their heels one through nine.