On February 20th, the Mariners kicked off their first game of Spring Training with a 7-2 victory. Every year, MLB teams meet in Arizona and Florida for a preseason, where each team plays dozens of low stakes games to practice for the approaching season. Tickets are free for all, providing a great opportunity for anyone looking to meet their favorite players or see how professionals practice. Both new and experienced athletes play together, giving in-game practice time as well as a chance to earn a spot on the roster once the season starts. Spring Training is divided into two leagues: the Grapefruit League in Florida and the Cactus League in Arizona where the Mariners play.

Spring Training brings in a wave of new hope for Mariners fans as the team shows what they have to offer. After nearly making it to the World Series in October, they’re hungry for a second chance. The Mariners are the only team in the league that has never been to the World Series, so making it this year would be historical. They’ve proven their roster to be especially strong, with no clear weak points to be found. Star players include Cal Raleigh, Julio Rodríguez, Bryan Woo, and Josh Naylor. After helping the team dominate the league last year, these players continue to refine their skills and prove their importance on the roster.

In addition to the existing stars on the team, this year’s rookie prospects have shown high potential. Shortstop Cole Young has been a standout, placing him as the number one prospect on the Mariners. It’s increasingly likely that he could become a key part of the team in the upcoming season, an impressive achievement for an athlete who’s only 22 years old. Kade Anderson is another prospect who brings hope to the Mariners. After winning the College World Series with the LSU Tigers last June, he debuted this Spring Training with the Mariners as a pitcher.

However, it’s not all positive for the Mariners this preseason. Their standings in the Cactus League are low, with only 6 out of 22 games won. In addition, on March 5th, they took a devastating 27-6 loss to the San Diego Padres as the largest defeat of any team this preseason. While some might get discouraged by the scores, it’s nothing to be worried about, and likely won’t reflect the performance of the team in the upcoming season. Many of the starters are currently playing at the 2026 World Baseball Classic, so the bulk of the team this spring is made up of younger players who lack experience. Winning Spring training games aren’t important, and in-game-time for players will have a positive impact no matter what. With a roster this strong, the Mariners are certain to have an exciting upcoming season and a second chance at the World Series.