Mariners: After the defeat, ¿promising future? MLB analysis and keys

After the Game 7 loss in the American League Championship Series against the Toronto Blue Jays, Seattle Mariners pitcher Bryan Woo was interviewed in the clubhouse. At that moment, a heartbreaking scream echoed in the background, a sound that Mariners fans understand very well.For Mariners fans, hope has been a constant companion throughout the franchise’s 49 seasons. They longed for a winning season, for the team not to move, to reach the playoffs for the first time, to break a 20-year postseason drought, and, above all, to win the World Series. However, a hit on Monday night extinguished that hope.Although the Mariners won the first two games of the series in Toronto, a feat that historically favored teams with a record of 26-3, the situation changed in Seattle. After losing the first two games at home, they achieved a dramatic victory in Game 5 thanks to Eugenio Suárez’s grand slam, taking a 3-2 lead in the series. The winner of Game 5, in a tied series, had won the series 69% of the time in MLB history.The loss in Game 6 and the subsequent Game 7, marked by George Springer’s three-run home run, only highlight the difficulty of the defeat. The Mariners were eight outs away from their first World Series, a moment that Seattle fans will remember forever. The team remains the only one of the 30 franchises that has never played in a World Series.Although the pain will linger, the focus is already on 2026. The Mariners are in a solid position for the future, with two playoff appearances in the last five seasons, being one of the most stable organizations in the sport. They have had winning records every season since 2021 and rank seventh in wins during that period.The organization has a solid farm system that includes eight players ranked in Kiley McDaniel’s August update of the top 100 prospects, including shortstop Colt Emerson and pitcher Kade Anderson.The core of players is also stable. Of the 17 players with a WAR of at least 0.8 in 2025, all except free agent Josh Naylor and second baseman/DH Jorge Polanco are signed to new contracts or under team control. Both players fit well in the lineup after their solid campaigns in 2025, especially Naylor. The need to have contact skills in a strikeout-prone lineup makes Naylor’s renewal crucial.The team isn’t old. Polanco, J.P. Crawford, and Randy Arozarena are the only regular players over 28 years old, while Luis Castillo is the only starting pitcher over 28. Castillo is signed for two more seasons and the rest of the rotation members are also under control for at least two more years. Stability in the rotation is an advantage, with Anderson and Ryan Sloan.The team’s current success dates back to the 2018-19 offseason. Jerry Dipoto, president of baseball operations, took over in 2015. After an 89-win season, Dipoto decided to rebuild the team.The team committed to a rebuild, starting with the acquisition of Crawford and the development of Julio Rodríguez, who became a star. Rodríguez has had two 30-30 seasons and a WAR of 6.8 in 2025, placing him fourth among American League position players. His defensive performance has also improved, becoming a potential Gold Glove center fielder.Dipoto highlights Rodríguez’s focus and his desire to be great, studying the careers of great athletes. In addition, the Mariners have effectively recruited and developed pitchers, including Gilbert, Kirby, Miller, and Woo, along with the acquisition of key relievers like Andrés Muñoz and Matt Brash.Dipoto acknowledges the work of Scott Hunter and his staff, as well as Justin Hollander. He highlights the importance of seeing J.P. Crawford, Julio Rodríguez, and Cal Raleigh, trained and developed by the team. Dipoto signed Crawford to a long-term contract in 2022, followed by Rodríguez and Raleigh.The key to 2026 lies in the rotation, which struggled in the American League Championship Series. The decrease in the team’s WAR is partly attributed to injuries. Furthermore, a significant difference is observed in the performance of starting pitchers at home and away.This begs the question: does the team need an ace? It could be Tarik Skubal, who is in his final year with the Detroit Tigers and could be subject to trade rumors. The Mariners have the prospects and pitching depth to seriously consider an acquisition.Emerson will likely assume third base and eventually replace Crawford at shortstop. Cole Young and Harry Ford are expected to get more opportunities. The positive environment and camaraderie of the team are highlights. The Mariners are ready to move forward.