Beside the stairs connecting the dugout and clubhouse at T-Mobile Park, a photo reminds everyone of the Mariners’ recent triumphs.
This iconic image captures catcher Cal Raleigh hitting a walk-off home run on September 30, 2022, to end a 21-year playoff drought, igniting joy among 44,754 fans.
However, 662 days later, the Mariners struggle to recapture that glory. After falling just short of a division title in 2023, they tried to retool by adding veteran position players. But recent performances have been disappointing, as the Mariners lost an impressive 10-game lead in the AL West, including eight defeats in their last nine games and a 2-1 loss to the Angels on Wednesday, marking their first sweep of the season.
The mood at T-Mobile Park has soured. Injuries to key players like center fielder Julio Rodriguez, shortstop J.P. Crawford, and top prospect Felnin Celesten have compounded the team’s woes.
General Manager Justin Hollander reflected the frustration, saying:
“I’ve had better weeks.”
In a game against the Angels, reliever Gregory Santos injured his knee, leading to another loss, and the 39,953-strong crowd voiced their discontent. Mariners manager Scott Servais remained optimistic despite the setbacks, expressing his belief that the team could turn things around.
“We will get this going. It’s just a struggle right now,” he said.
Currently, the Mariners are 53-51, trailing the Astros by one game in the lackluster AL West. They face the struggling White Sox next, followed by tougher matchups against Boston and Philadelphia. Despite having the seventh-easiest remaining schedule, the Mariners’ flawed roster poses significant challenges.
In the offseason, the Mariners acquired Jorge Polanco, Mitch Haniger, Mitch Garver, and Luis Urias to boost their offense, but these players have underperformed, contributing to the team’s struggles. Nevertheless, the Mariners remain buyers at the trade deadline, hoping to bolster their chances.
Servais acknowledged the importance of improvement from within, saying:
“My department is trying to get the most out of the group we have here, and I have to do better.”
As the trade deadline approaches, the Mariners have time to make a playoff push, but the path ahead is fraught with difficulties.
The optimism sparked by Raleigh’s dramatic home run feels distant, as mounting setbacks and injuries cast doubt on the Mariners’ prospects. Reclaiming the good vibes of 2022 seems increasingly challenging, but the team continues to fight for a turnaround.
