By Avry Jones
Photo Credit: CBS Sports
On September 24, 2025, the Seattle Mariners did something they had not done in nearly a quarter-century — they won the American League West division title. With a commanding 9–2 victory over the Colorado Rockies at T-Mobile Park, the Mariners officially ended a 24-year drought and reignited hope for a franchise long starved for postseason glory.
A Night to Remember
The game itself was a showcase of power and precision. Cal Raleigh, the Mariners’ slugging catcher, launched his 59th and 60th home runs of the season, tying the MLB record for multi-homer games in a single season. Julio Rodríguez and Jorge Polanco also homered in the first inning, setting the tone early. Luis Castillo delivered a masterful performance on the mound, striking out 10 and allowing just one run over 7⅓ innings.
The win marked Seattle’s 16th victory in their last 17 games — a blistering stretch that propelled them past the Houston Astros, who had dominated the division for much of the past decade.
Historical Context
The last time the Mariners won the AL West was in 2001, a season in which they tied the MLB record with 116 wins. That team featured legends like Ichiro Suzuki, Bret Boone, and Freddy García. But despite flashes of promise in the years since, the Mariners struggled to recapture that magic, often finishing as a middling team in a competitive division.
This year’s resurgence is a result of strategic roster building and effective player development. President of Baseball Operations Jerry Dipoto’s midseason acquisitions — including Josh Naylor and Eugenio Suárez — added depth to a lineup that had previously leaned heavily on Rodríguez and Raleigh.
What’s Next?
With four games remaining in the regular season, the Mariners are now eyeing the AL’s No. 2 seed, which would grant them a first-round bye and home-field advantage in the Division Series. For a team that has never reached the World Series, the stakes are high — but so is the momentum.
Final Thoughts
The Mariners’ AL West title is more than just a statistical achievement; it is a cultural moment for Seattle fans who’ve waited 8,771 days for this celebration. It is a testament to perseverance, smart management, and the emergence of new stars ready to carry the torch.
As the postseason looms, one thing is clear: the Mariners are no longer just contenders — they are champions of the West, and they are VERY hungry for more.
Avry Jones is a contributor to The MMM Journal. She can be reached at avryjones@comcast.net
X: @LadyAvry
Instagram: @LadyAvry
