The Seattle Mariners have surprised many by starting the season strong, holding a 17-12 record and leading the American League West.

A key factor in this success is Jorge Polanco, who is having a breakout year at 31. His current batting line stands at .389/.423/.819 with nine home runs and 25 RBIs in just 21 games. This puts him on pace to hit 50 home runs over a projected 117 games, a remarkable feat considering his history of hitting 20 home runs only twice previously.

Polanco's recent power surge, including five home runs in his last seven games, showcases his potential for the Comeback Player of the Year award. However, experts warn that a regression might be on the horizon, even if he can maintain half of his current pace.

The fantasy baseball landscape is rife with injury updates as the 2025 season progresses. Among notable starting pitchers, Blake Snell of the Los Angeles Dodgers is dealing with shoulder inflammation after a rocky start and has been shut down, casting doubt on a swift return. Meanwhile, Pablo Lopez of the Minnesota Twins has made a successful comeback from a hamstring strain and continues to impress on the mound, solidifying his position as a reliable SP2. George Kirby of the Seattle Mariners is progressing from shoulder inflammation, recently completing a live batting practice, hinting at an imminent return.

As the season unfolds, Snell's status remains tenuous while fantasy managers should keep an eye on Lopez's performance following his return. Kirby's potential return could bolster fantasy rotations significantly. Stashing these pitchers may prove crucial as their situations evolve throughout the season.

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.

Jorge Polanco showcased his power at the plate, hitting two home runs in a crucial 5-3 victory against the Los Angeles Angels. Despite falling short of a three-home run game due to a spectacular catch by Jo Adell, Polanco's performance further cements his role as the driving force behind the Seattle Mariners' surprising offensive surge. He has hit two home runs in back-to-back games and leads the American League in key offensive metrics after a stellar week where he batted .471 with four home runs.

Polanco's resurgence comes after a surgery to repair his left patellar tendon last October, raising questions about his potential and value. With a $7 million contract for the season, he has proven to be one of the most valuable bargains in baseball. The Mariners are thriving, currently leading the American League West, in part due to Polanco's consistent hitting and making mechanical adjustments to his swing that have clearly paid off.

Jorge Polanco has been a standout performer for the Seattle Mariners, recently named American League Player of the Week after an impressive run. In a 5-3 victory against the Los Angeles Angels, Polanco hit two home runs, driving in five runs total. The Mariners took an early lead thanks to a three-run shot from Polanco in the bottom of the third inning. Meanwhile, Bryce Miller showcased his pitching prowess, delivering five shutout innings, preventing the Angels from scoring until the seventh, when Logan O'Hoppe finally broke through with a solo home run. The Mariners bullpen came in clutch, sealing the win against a late rally from the Angels, which included RBI doubles from Nolan Schanuel and Jorge Soler.