One year after Deadline of pure optimism, Mariners in much different spot

Seattle’s Mariners are entering the 2026 Trade Deadline in a starkly different position than they were last year. One year ago, on July 31, the franchise reunited Eugenio Suárez in a splashy return and had added Josh Naylor a week earlier, fueling optimism and setting a record moment when Cal Raleigh hit his 42nd homer as a switch-hitter. This year, after Friday’s game at T-Mobile Park drew boos from 43,489 fans, Seattle lost 5-3 and went 1-for-23 offensively. The Mariners are 53-58, five games under .500, and finished July 9-15, tied for fourth-worst in MLB behind the A’s, Angels and Cardinals. The next deadline day is Monday, Aug. 3 at 3 p.m. PT/6 p.m. ET.