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Lore & Background

The 2026 season saw the Mariners retire Randy Johnson's uniform number 51 on May 2, following the retirement of Ichiro Suzuki's number in 2025. A statue for Suzuki was unveiled in April, with a statue honoring the 2001 Mariners—who won 116 games—planned for September. The team also announced Sunday home games would feature Seattle Steelheads-inspired uniforms, replacing cream alternates. Longtime broadcaster Rick Rizzs announced his retirement after the season, and the franchise moved television production to MLB Local Media after shuttering Root Sports Northwest.

In Their Own Story

On Opening Day, March 26, the Mariners lost to the Cleveland Guardians in Seattle. The team split the four-game series, with Emerson Hancock striking out nine to salvage a win. Cal Raleigh delivered a walk-off single against the New York Yankees, but the Mariners lost the final two games of that series. After the opening homestand, top prospect Colt Emerson signed an eight-year, $95 million contract extension but remained in the minors. J. P. Crawford returned from the injured list as the team's shortstop.

Reader's Guide

The Mariners' offensive struggles continued on their first road trip. After beating the Los Angeles Angels on April 3, they lost five straight games. Angels right fielder Jo Adell robbed three potential Mariners home runs in a 1–0 win on April 4. The Texas Rangers then swept Seattle. Outfielder Víctor Robles went on the injured list, replaced by Connor Joe, who made a costly error and was hitless in his debut. The losing streak ended with a four-game sweep of the Houston Astros, scoring six or more runs in each game. Josh Naylor hit his first two home runs of the season on April 13 to seal the sweep.

Did You Know?

• The Mariners retired Randy Johnson's uniform number 51 on May 2, 2026, following Ichiro Suzuki's number retirement in 2025.
• A statue of Ichiro Suzuki was unveiled in April 2026, and a statue honoring the 2001 Mariners (116 wins) is planned for September.
• Longtime broadcaster Rick Rizzs announced he would retire after the 2026 season.
• The Mariners will wear Seattle Steelheads-inspired uniforms on Sunday home games in 2026, replacing cream alternates.
• Top prospect Colt Emerson signed an eight-year, $95 million contract extension in early April 2026 but remained in the minors.