The Seattle Mariners are gearing up for a determined second half of the 2025 season, with a clear goal in mind: shake off consecutive near-misses and make their return to the playoffs for the first time since 2022.
Heading into their Friday matchup against the Houston Astros, the Mariners are in a relatively strong position. They wrapped up the first half with an impressive sweep of the MLB-best Detroit Tigers, and their 51-45 record would have earned them the American League’s third wild card spot if the season had ended then.
But the big question still lingers: What’s next for the Mariners?
Here are five bold predictions for what’s in store at the July 31 trade deadline and beyond as the Mariners push through the second half of the season. These predictions aren’t as outlandish as something like “Ken Griffey Jr. will de-age by 30 years,” but they’re meant to get fans talking while staying well within the realm of possibility.
2 Trade Deadline Predictions for the Mariners
- They’ll Add Eugenio Suárez and Josh Naylor
There’s a solid debate over whether Suárez or Naylor is the better fit for the Mariners, but why choose? Both players would bring much-needed upgrades to third base (currently sitting at a .671 OPS) and first base (currently a .721 OPS). Together, they’ve posted a combined OPS of .854 and smacked 42 home runs in 2025.
Given all the buzz around GM Jerry Dipoto’s aggressive approach at the trade market, it’s hard to imagine why they wouldn’t go after both players. The Mariners have more than enough prospects to entice the Arizona Diamondbacks, who may be preparing for a fire sale.
- They’ll Win the Jhoan Duran Sweepstakes
The Mariners are also reportedly targeting a high-leverage bullpen arm, and Jhoan Duran of the Minnesota Twins is a compelling option. Duran throws harder than even Andrés Muñoz and is under team control through 2027. Sure, he’ll come with a steep price tag, but the Mariners have the assets to make this move and should be willing to pay for him.
3 Predictions for the Rest of the Mariners’ 2025 Season
- Cal Raleigh Won’t Hit 60 Homers or Win AL MVP
It’s tough to say, especially after his record-setting 38 home runs in the first half and his stunning victory in the Home Run Derby. However, hitting 64 home runs seems too good to be true, especially when you consider that Raleigh plays catcher—a physically demanding position—and T-Mobile Park isn’t exactly a hitter’s paradise. Statcast estimates he should have around 30 homers.
Even if Raleigh does reach 60, the MVP race could still be a stretch. Aaron Judge, once again, is chasing 60 homers and putting up a monstrous 1.194 OPS and 7.1 rWAR with the Yankees.
- Julio Rodríguez Will Be the AL’s Best Player in the Second Half
On the flip side, there’s hope for Julio Rodríguez, who may be on the verge of reclaiming his superstar status. He finished the first half strong, bouncing back from a slump with a six-hit series against Detroit, including two doubles and three home runs. If this signals his second-half surge, expect Julio to combine his elite defense with the elite offense the Mariners have been waiting for.
- The Mariners Will Win the AL West
It’s going to be a tough climb, as the Astros currently lead the Mariners by 5.0 games and have held at least a five-game lead since June 18. However, the Astros face a tougher remaining schedule and fewer home games than the Mariners. Seattle has 35 more games at T-Mobile Park, compared to just 29 at home for Houston.
Even if Raleigh cools off and the Mariners’ rotation continues to deal with injuries, the trade deadline reinforcements and the Julio heat-up should propel Seattle forward. After all, they’ve come this far—they can’t stop now.
Winning the AL West for the first time since 2001 would be monumental. But that’s a conversation for another bold prediction piece, especially when it comes to the postseason.
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