Baseball seasons are often defined by pivotal moments: a players-only meeting that sparks a turnaround, a daring play that saves the season, or a dramatic home run that launches a winning streak. For the Seattle Mariners in 2022, it was a brawl in Anaheim that seemingly ignited their season, leading to a surge that culminated in a playoff run.
However, in 2023, with a 64-62 record and five games behind Houston in the AL West, the Mariners haven’t shown signs of making a significant push. While the Astros have been on a hot streak, the Mariners have struggled to win more than four consecutive games all season, stuck in a cycle of near-misses and unfulfilled potential.
There have been several moments that felt like they could be turning points. For instance, on June 28, when Cal Raleigh’s walk-off hit against the Twins seemed like a breakthrough, the Mariners followed it up by losing their next four games. Similarly, on July 3, after a ritualistic sage-burning meant to cleanse negativity, they managed just five hits in a loss to Baltimore and continued to falter.
Even after a promising 11-0 win over the Angels on July 11, they lost their next three games, limping into the All-Star break. Later in July, with a supposedly refreshed roster, the Mariners faced Houston but lost the series, along with their lead in the division.
The trade deadline brought new players like Randy Arozarena and Justin Turner, who were expected to inject life into the team. However, the Mariners have continued to struggle, with Turner and Arozarena underperforming. In the 18 games since the trade deadline, the Mariners have gone 8-10, including a disappointing 2-7 record against losing teams.
Despite moments that appeared to signal a turnaround—like Mitch Haniger’s walk-off walk or a 12-1 victory over the Mets—the Mariners have consistently fallen short. As they approach the final stretch of the season, with 36 games remaining, the team has yet to inspire confidence. This season has been marked by unfulfilled promises and dashed hopes, leaving fans cautious about getting their hopes up again. For now, it’s best not to take the bait.
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