ESPN’s panel picked the Texas Rangers (18 votes) to win the AL West in 2025, but seven voters picked the Mariners to win the division. Houston garnered just three votes. ESPN calls Texas the “overwhelming favorite” to win the division, but mentions some reasons Seattle could contend. Here’s what Jorge Castillo writes:

The Mariners, who reportedly only had $15-20 million to spend over the winter, are worth $2.2 billion, per Forbes.

The Seattle Mariners gave franchise catcher Cal Raleigh a six-year, $105 million extension on Tuesday that will cover Raleigh’s three years of arbitration plus three years of free agency. However, a recent report suggest the Mariners have not seen any growth since 2024 and are one of four MLB franchises that are flat year-over-year.

Catcher Cal Raleigh and the Seattle Mariners have agreed to a $105 million, six-year contract, according to a person with knowledge of the deal