Inside The Mariners

Seattle Mariners Playoff Odds are Better Than You Think

Heading into play on Friday, the Mariners have playoff odds of greater than 50 percent, which may surprise some people considering how inconsistent they have been.
Seattle Mariners pitcher George Kirby (68) delivers against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning at Wrigley Field on June 20.
Seattle Mariners pitcher George Kirby (68) delivers against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning at Wrigley Field on June 20. | Matt Marton-Imagn Images

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The Seattle Mariners enter play on Friday at 41-39 through 80 games. They are 6.5 games back in the American League West, but they currently own the third and final wild card spot in the American League as they look to make the playoffs for the first time since 2022.

While most fans are likely frustrated by the team's stretch of inconsistent play, the playoff odds are better than you probably think they are, according to Fangraphs.

Team

Record

WC Odds

Overall Playoff Odds

MARINERS

41-39

40.3

53.9

Rays

46-35

56.6

79.0

Blue Jays

43-37

47.1

56.1

Red Sox

40-42

15.5

16.8

Guardians

40-39

28.2

31.9

Twins

39-42

25.6

28.9

Royals

38-43

11.2

11.9

Rangers

40-41

18.8

23.0

Angels

40-40

6.6

7.6

Thus, at 53.9 percent, the Mariners are squarely in position to battle for a playoff spot, and Fangraphs projects them to squarely be in the mix for as high as the second wild card spot, which again, might surprise some people.

(I do want to issue an apology for a slight misspeak on Friday's Refuse to Lose podcast, where I said that the M's and Rays have almost identical playoff odds - they do not).

If the Mariners are going to make the playoffs and make these odds a reality, they will have to figure out a way get more consistent in all facets. The starting pitching needs to be better and go deeper into games, while the offense has to figure out a way to sustain momentum. The trade deadline, which looms on July 31, is also an avenue for them to get better.

The M's will be back in action on Friday night against the Rangers with first pitch coming at 5:05 p.m. PT. Nathan Eovaldi (TEX) will pitch against Logan Gilbert (SEA).

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