Mariners Manager Exudes Optimism Ahead of New Season

Dan Wilson says his team has a 'good feeling in camp' after strong 2025 campaign

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Coming off one of their best seasons in franchise history, the Seattle Mariners are entering the 2026 MLB season with high expectations and a sense of optimism, according to manager Dan Wilson. Wilson highlighted the team's talented pitching rotation, strong communication, and eager energy in camp as reasons for the positive vibes surrounding the club.

Why it matters

The Mariners are looking to build on their division title and playoff appearance in 2025, with hopes of making a deep postseason run and potentially reaching their first World Series in franchise history. The team's young core, led by stars like Julio Rodriguez and Cal Raleigh, have the Mariners poised to be one of the top contenders in the American League.

The details

Wilson praised the Mariners' pitching staff, saying the group has a clear plan in place and good communication with the coaching staff. He also noted the high energy and eagerness of the players in spring training, indicating the team is ready to get the new season underway. The Mariners are looking to capitalize on the momentum from their successful 2025 campaign and make a push for the World Series.

  • The Mariners won the American League West division title in 2025.
  • The Mariners are entering the 2026 MLB season with high expectations.

The players

Dan Wilson

The manager of the Seattle Mariners, who is expressing optimism about his team's chances heading into the 2026 season.

Julio Rodriguez

A star player for the Mariners who is being mentioned as a potential MVP candidate for the 2026 season.

Cal Raleigh

Another key player for the Mariners who is also being considered a potential MVP candidate for the upcoming season.

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What they’re saying

“Another good day of camp. Good feeling in camp. We had some of our high-leverage guys on the mound, and I thought their bullpens looked really well... There's just so many guys here, and they're here early, and they're eager and ready to go. Just a good feeling. You just gotta love to see that kind of energy.”

— Dan Wilson, Mariners Manager (yardbarker.com)

“I think our pitching group has their plan in place, too. And that comes down to the communication from the player... Again, it all depends on communication; it all depends on hos these guys feel moving forward. So far, things have gone according to plan, and we'll just keep making adjustments as we go.”

— Dan Wilson, Mariners Manager (yardbarker.com)

What’s next

The Mariners will look to continue their strong preseason preparations and carry that momentum into the start of the 2026 MLB regular season, as they aim to make a deep playoff run and potentially reach their first World Series in franchise history.

The takeaway

The Seattle Mariners are entering the 2026 season with a sense of optimism and high expectations, as they look to build on their successful 2025 campaign and make a push for the World Series. With a talented young core and a confident manager, the Mariners appear poised to be one of the top contenders in the American League this year.