The Seattle Mariners are making their long-awaited return to the MLB postseason, led by American League MVP candidate Cal Raleigh. After not making the playoffs since 2001 and then returning in 2022, they have made sure not to replicate their previous drought.

After being on the brink of elimination late in the season, they won 10 straight games, helping them win the American League West title for the first time in 24 years.
Oct. 4 will begin the Mariners’ sixth-ever appearance in the postseason. They ended the season by winning 17 of their last 21 games, including a 10-game winning streak over that stretch.

Raleigh, known as the big dumper, led the MLB in home runs this season with 60, breaking the Mariners all time single season record. He also won the MLB home run derby over All-Star week in Atlanta. His 18 home runs in the final helped him make history as the first catcher and switch-hitter to win the event. Another statistic he led in the MLB was RBIs with 125.

The Mariners’ postseason campaign will begin at T-Mobile Park against the winner of the Detroit Tigers and the Cleveland Guardians’ best-of-three series.

Raleigh wasn’t the only player with meaningful contributions; Randy Arozarena, Julio Rodríguez, Bryan Woo and Andrés Muñoz were all-stars along with Raleigh.

The Mariners’ bullpen had a great season, with their all-star reliever, Muñoz, leading the way. Other notable pitchers that started for the team include Logan Gilbert, Luis Castillo and George Kirby.

Notable position players this season, besides their all-stars, include second baseman Jorge Polanco, who is one of the best hitters on the Mariners and J.P. Crawford, the third baseman who is great at getting on base. Trades have also propelled the Mariners Clubhouse, acquiring Eugenio Suarez and Josh Naylor before the trade deadline.

Led by Raleigh, the Mariners are favorites to make it to the World Series for the first time ever, and possibly bring the commissioner’s trophy to Seattle.