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Mariners One Win Away from First ALCS in a Generation
8 Oct
Summary
- Mariners one win away from reaching first ALCS since 2001
- Shortstop J.P. Crawford's stellar performance in Game 3
- Mariners' roster overhaul after 2018 season pays dividends
On October 8th, 2025, the Seattle Mariners took a giant step towards their first American League Championship Series (ALCS) appearance in a generation. After thumping the Detroit Tigers 8-4 in Game 3 of the American League Division Series, the Mariners are now just one win away from reaching the ALCS for the first time since 2001.
The Mariners' journey to this point has been a remarkable one. In 2018, they had just finished with their best record in 15 years, but their roster was the AL's oldest, and the Houston Astros were poised to rule the West for years to come. Recognizing this reality, the Mariners' front office, led by General Manager Justin Hollander and President of Baseball Operations Jerry Dipoto, sought to build a younger, more sustainable roster.
A key part of this transformation was the acquisition of shortstop J.P. Crawford in December 2018. Crawford, a former first-round pick, has since blossomed into a leader on the team, earning a Gold Glove award in 2020 and signing a five-year, $51 million contract that keeps him in Seattle through 2026. In Game 3, Crawford's contributions were crucial, as he singled, walked, homered, and drove in a sacrifice fly to help the Mariners seize control early and never let go.
With Crawford, catcher Cal Raleigh, and center fielder Julio Rodríguez leading the way, the Mariners have built a formidable team that is now on the cusp of a historic postseason berth. One more win, and they will keep on moving, right into the ALCS.
