The Seattle Mariners concluded their 2024 season with an 85-77 record, narrowly missing the playoffs by one game. Despite a quiet offseason, the Mariners have started strong in 2025, currently leading the division with a 17-12 record and only one game behind the American League's best record.

Unlike other teams that have capitalized on weaker opponents, Seattle has faced one of the toughest schedules in the league, indicating that their success thus far may be legitimate. According to Baseball Reference, the Mariners are given a solid chance of winning the World Series. Key to their ambitions will be the performance of superstar outfielder Julio Rodríguez and the health of their starting rotation.

As we approach Week 4 of the fantasy baseball season, savvy managers are already assessing trade opportunities. Notably, Julio Rodríguez of the Seattle Mariners, despite a slow start, shows promise with six extra-base hits and five stolen bases early on. His historical performance suggests he could rebound dramatically. Ian Happ from the Chicago Cubs is also a prime buy-low candidate, with an impressive track record suggesting he’ll find his rhythm soon. Conversely, Marcus Semien of the Texas Rangers is looking overvalued with his poor start, making him a potential sell candidate. Similar caution applies to Mitchell Parker of the Washington Nationals, whose early success may not be sustainable due to low strikeout rates and high hard-hit percentages.

The 2025 MLB season is heating up as many players are already making headlines, particularly Aaron Judge, who matched Babe Ruth with 321 home runs in just 1,000 games. His card sales, however, raise questions about his valuation compared to up-and-coming players like Paul Skenes. The focus also shifts to young talents such as Jacob Wilson, who may see rising card values if the Athletics revive their performance. Meanwhile, Oneil Cruz's potential for steals is being closely monitored, though caution is warranted regarding his card investments. Collectors are also speculating on players like Spencer Torkelson and Tommy Edman, while Julio Rodriguez remains a hot commodity despite some risks. The discussion extends beyond baseball cards to memorable sports trading cards from various sports, hinting at their evolving market value.