Everything at stake for World Series-hopeful Mariners in final week of 2025

It really is an exciting time to be a Mariners fan, as they prepare for arguably their most anticipated week since all the way back in 2001. As a result of sweeping the Astros over the weekend, there is so much at stake, with the potential to end up with everything or nothing.

The Mariners can clinch a playoff spot as soon as Tuesday, and the AL West title is also in reach thanks to their aforementioned sweep of their biggest divisional rivals. The M's haven't won the AL West since 2001 and have only won it three times in total during their nearly 50 years of existence.

The magic number to win the AL West is now down to just three games for the Mariners, with six remaining and having clinched the head-to-head tiebreaker with the Astros. Pending the two teams' respective results, the M's could clinch the division title as soon as Wednesday when they play the second of three against the Rockies in Seattle.

Maines also taking aim at a first-round bye and some valuable extra rest

Pending winning the division, the Mariners are also in prime position to secure the second seed and, with it, a first-round bye and home-field advantage in the Division Series. The M's have a two-game lead over the Tigers which is effectively really three games, due to having the head-to-head tiebreaker.

Thanks to the Mariners winning 14 of their past 15 games, they now also have a chance at the first overall seed in the AL, but it's still a long shot. They are three games back of the Blue Jays, so it's mathematically possible. Yet unlike the two previous scenario,s it's their Canadian rivals who hold the head-to-head tiebreaker.

The quest for 60 and an important injury update for the Mariners

On an individual level, Cal Raleigh has a lot at stake as he chases 60 home runs, with the stage set after hitting two over the weekend in Houston to reach 58. He does have a chance at tying Aaron Judge's all-time AL record of 62 homers in a season, but 60 is more attainable and if he can achieve this he will become just the seventh player in Major League history to do so.

Arguably more important than this — and something which Raleigh himself would agree with — is the health of Bryan Woo. The righty had to leave Friday's start in Houston prematurely due to minor inflammation in his right pectoral muscle. While the belief is he will avoid the Injured List, it depends how he responds to treatment in the next few days.

Woo has been vital to the Mariners this season as the most reliable, durable and consistent starter in the rotation, so the team and their fans will be hoping he is fine. As per Daniel Kramer of MLB.com, a stint on the IL would last 15 days until Game 2 of both ALDS, thus putting more potential onus on the M's to secure that second AL seed and a first-round bye.