Bold claim: the Seattle Mariners are poised to defy expectations and charge toward greatness in 2026. After the franchise’s deepest playoff run ever, excitement around the M’s in the Pacific Northwest is surging like never before. A rising Mariners prospect even earned early recognition as one of MLB’s standouts during camp, signaling that the future may be as bright as the present.
For many seasons, Seattle arrived to each year with a reputation for potential or the hope of a postseason push, occasionally hovering in the shadows of a 100-loss season under previous front-office regimes. But in 2026, the Mariners aren’t just viewed as contenders; many believe they’re the team to beat in the American League West, with some projecting a path all the way to the World Series.
Among the loudest voices predicting big things is MLB Network analyst Greg Amsinger. He recently joined Seattle Sports’ Brock and Salk and laid out a bold trio of forecasts for the Mariners in 2026.
"My bold prediction: 98 wins, the Mariners go to the World Series, Bryan Woo wins the Cy Young," Amsinger declared.
That’s a striking set of predictions, but FanGraphs’ projections lend some plausibility to one element: Seattle’s World Series odds. FanGraphs currently gives the Mariners a 19.2% chance to reach their first World Series, the highest figure among American League teams. The next-best odds belong to the New York Yankees at 14.2%. By more conventional metrics, Seattle is expected to win about 88 games—only two teams in baseball (the Dodgers and Braves) are forecast to surpass 90.
What drives Amsinger’s bullish stance?
- He points to an opening day frontline upgrade: Josh Naylor, a fierce competitor who was brought back promptly, setting a winning tone.
- He highlights Brendan Donovan at third base, calling him a crucial “X-factor” for a team in win-now mode. Donovan’s versatile impact is noted as the kind of small-but-powerful contribution that doesn’t always show up in box scores but can shape a season.
Amsinger, a St. Louis native who previously watched Donovan closely under Cardinals manager Oli Marmol, describes Donovan as the polished edge Seattle needs. In his view, Donovan helps fill every box a championship-caliber club should check, adding speed, defense, and clutch mentality to the lineup.
Woo for Cy Young
Of the three bold takes, the most unlikely might be Woo capturing the Cy Young. It’s not a lack of talent; rather, it’s the formidable competition. Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers—Seattle U alum and two-time reigning Cy Young winner in the AL—still sits in his prime at 29. Amsinger argues the three-peat is improbable and points to off-field drama as a complicating factor.
"I just think it’s impossible for Tarik Skubal to do it three straight years," he said, noting arbitration drama and contract dynamics that could influence the Tigers’ pitching staff and payroll decisions. He concludes with a confident, humorous nod to Woo as the dark-horse candidate for the award.
For fans craving deeper insight, you can hear the full discussion via the linked Seattle Sports podcast or on the Brock and Salk show schedule.
Why this matters
- The Mariners appear to have a clearer path to sustained success in 2026, backed by strategic acquisitions, a strengthened lineup, and a sharper sense of identity.
- The elevation of players like Brendan Donovan and the possible breakout performance from Bryan Woo could redefine what’s possible for the franchise this season.
What do you think? Do you share Amsinger’s optimism, or do you see potential risks that could temper these bold predictions? Which element of the plan excites you most, and where would you push back on the hype? Join the discussion in the comments with your perspective on the Mariners’ 2026 outlook.
