Seattle Mariners' Canzone shows breakout can continue in '26

Dominic Canzone hits two home runs on opening day, continuing his impressive 2025 season.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 6:53am

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Seattle Mariners outfielder/designated hitter Dominic Canzone started the 2026 season with a bang, hitting two home runs in the team's opening day loss to the Cleveland Guardians. Canzone's breakout 2025 season, in which he hit .300 with 11 home runs and 32 RBIs, appears to be carrying over as he looks to build on that success.

Why it matters

Canzone's performance on opening day suggests his breakout 2025 season was not a fluke, and that he can continue to be a key contributor for the Mariners as they look to build on their first division title in 24 years. His power and improved approach at the plate make him an important part of the Mariners' lineup.

The details

Canzone hit a 418-foot solo home run in the second inning and a 444-foot two-run shot in the seventh inning, showing off his impressive power. He credited his work with the Mariners' hitting coaches for helping him develop a more consistent approach at the plate, which allowed him to make major strides last season after a rough 2024 campaign.

  • Canzone hit a pinch-hit two-run homer in early June 2025 that was a sign of things to come.
  • In the 2025 season, Canzone posted career highs in home runs (11), RBIs (32), hits (117), and games played (82).
  • Canzone played for Team Italy in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, which he said helped prepare him for the 2026 season.

The players

Dominic Canzone

A 28-year-old outfielder/designated hitter for the Seattle Mariners who had a breakout 2025 season and continued his strong play with a two-homer game on opening day 2026.

Dan Wilson

The manager of the Seattle Mariners, who praised Canzone's performance and development over the past year.

Kevin Seitzer

The hitting coach for the Seattle Mariners, who has worked with Canzone on developing a more consistent approach at the plate.

Bobby Magallanes

The assistant hitting coach for the Seattle Mariners, who has also worked with Canzone on his hitting approach.

Tanner Bibee

The starting pitcher for the Cleveland Guardians, who Canzone hit a home run off of in the second inning.

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What they’re saying

“They just kind of were in the honey hole, kind of down and in, so we were able to get to them.”

— Dominic Canzone

“He was a guy last year that really took a huge step forward and really swung the bat well for us. I thought the way he attacked left-handers was outstanding last year as well, and (he) went into the offseason feeling very confident about what he had done and should've.”

— Dan Wilson, Manager

“Coming out tonight and doing what he did, outstanding work. When he's able to square up the ball, it goes a long way, and we saw that tonight for sure.”

— Dan Wilson, Manager

“They keep me through the middle of the field and just trying to hit line drives up the middle. If it goes, it goes, but just kind of staying with that approach and not coming off of it has helped me tremendously.”

— Dominic Canzone

“I think all the WBC guys (were) helped a lot (by) just kind of getting ready for opening day and the environment of it, because WBC really is kind of like playoff baseball. Spring training is almost, kind of for the lack of a better word, like scrimmages.”

— Dominic Canzone

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Dominic Canzone's performance on opening day suggests his breakout 2025 season was not a fluke, and that he can continue to be a key power bat in the middle of the Mariners' lineup as they look to build on their first division title in over two decades.