Longtime Seattle broadcaster says the Mariners should win the World Series

In his final season in the team's broadcast booth, veteran Mariners announcer Rick Rizzs is feeling especially optimistic about the team in 2026

Feb 12, 2026; Peoria, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners pitcher Jose A. Ferrer throws during a Spring Training workout at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images | Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images

Many people have jumped on the Seattle Mariners bandwagon when it comes to the upcoming season. However, one guy who has always been behind the team is their longtime broadcaster, Rick Rizzs, who will be entering his final year behind the microphone. He's been the team's radio voice since 1983, save for three seasons he spent in Detroit from 1992-94. Earlier this week, he said that he thinks the team will send him off in style in 2026.

“This team can get to the World Series and not only get there, but win it for the fans,” Rick Rizzs told Seattle’s Morning News on KIRO Newsradio Thursday. “I can’t wait to get down there on Sunday.”

He's especially excited about the acquisition of infielder Brendan Donovan. The versatile infielder hit .287 and was an All-Star last season; Rizzs says he has an intangible that cannot be measured.

“The Mariners get a guy who’s gonna play with his hair on fire,” Rizzs said of Donovan.

The Mariners are riding a wave of momentum

Feb 12, 2026; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh (29) works a drill at Seattle Mariners workouts in Peoria, Arizona. Mandatory Credit: Arianna Grainey-Imagn Images | Arianna Grainey-Imagn Images

With the Seahawks winning the Super Bowl, the rise of the Kraken, and the belief that the Sonics NBA team could be returning soon, Seattle is one of the hottest sports cities on the US map right now. The Mariners are hoping to add to that excitement in October, as they march to the Fall Classic.

“It’s a shared community between the football team and the baseball team and the Kraken,” Rizzs said. “We love this city. We love the fans. Everybody’s in the same boat. They buy into this place; they love the fan base.”

More Seattle Mariners News & Opinions

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• The Mariners and Yankees look like two teams destined to meet in the 2026 postseason

• ESPN host tells Mariners fans about Brendan Donovan, ‘You’re going to love this guy’

• Can Mariners star Julio Rodriguez join the vaunted 40-40 Club this season?