Mariners' Longest-Tenured Player Excited for Team's Potential

J.P. Crawford believes this Mariners squad is the best he's seen in his career.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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As the Seattle Mariners prepare for the upcoming season, veteran infielder J.P. Crawford, the team's longest-tenured player, expressed excitement about the squad's potential. Crawford, who has spent his entire MLB career with the Mariners, stated that this is the best team he has seen during his time in Seattle, with high expectations of winning the American League West division and making a deep postseason run.

Why it matters

The Mariners have not made the playoffs since 2001, the longest active drought in Major League Baseball. Crawford's positive assessment of the team's outlook suggests the organization may finally be poised to end that lengthy postseason drought and potentially compete for a World Series championship.

The details

Crawford, who has been with the Mariners since 2018, has witnessed the team's ups and downs over the years. However, he believes the current roster, bolstered by key offseason acquisitions and the continued development of young talent, is primed for success in 2026.

  • The 2026 MLB season will begin on Opening Day, which is scheduled for April 1, 2026.

The players

J.P. Crawford

The Seattle Mariners' starting shortstop and the team's longest-tenured player, having joined the organization in 2018.

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What they’re saying

“Such things have never been said during my time in Seattle.”

— J.P. Crawford, Mariners Infielder (wn.com)

What’s next

The Mariners will look to build on their strong offseason and carry that momentum into the 2026 season, which begins on April 1.

The takeaway

After years of disappointment, the Seattle Mariners appear poised to end their lengthy playoff drought and potentially contend for a World Series championship, according to their longest-tenured player, J.P. Crawford.