Seattle Mariners Stun MLB: Major Trade Rumor, Standings Leap & Surging Playoff Odds

Seattle — The Seattle Mariners blasted out of the All-Star break Friday night with a convincing 6-1 victory over the first-place Houston Astros at T-Mobile Park, powered by seven stellar innings from ace Luis Castillo and a towering seventh-inning homer from designated hitter Mitch Garver. Momentum builder in the AL West race Castillo scattered four hits and struck out eight, shrinking Houston’s division lead to just 3.5 games and reminding the rest of Major League Baseball that Seattle’s rotation remains the club’s greatest postseason weapon. Manager Scott Servais noted afterward that “this is exactly how we wanted to start the second half.” Garver’s blast was his sixth of the season and capped a five-run outburst that also featured RBI knocks from Julio Rodríguez and Cal Raleigh. The Mariners improved to 51-43, their best record through 94 games since the drought-busting 2022 campaign. Trade-deadline chess match With the July 31 MLB trade deadline less than two weeks away, president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto is scouring the market for a right-handed bat and a high-leverage reliever—needs that were only underscored when setup man Matt Brash was transferred to the 60-day IL. Seattle insiders believe Phillies outfielder Nick Castellanos and Rockies closer Daniel Bard are on the front office’s wish list, while division rival Houston is rumored to be eyeing the same relief arms. Fresh infusion of youth Long-term, the organization scored what ESPN’s Jeff Passan called an “absolute coup” by taking Louisiana State left-hander Kade Anderson with the No. 3 overall pick in last week’s MLB Draft. Anderson’s mid-90s heater and wipeout slider could put him on the fast track to Seattle’s pitching pipeline. What’s next The Mariners and Astros continue their pivotal three-game set tonight, with rookie right-hander Emerson Hancock squaring off against Houston veteran Justin Verlander. A series win would give Seattle a season-high nine games over .500 and tighten an AL West race that suddenly looks wide open. Key SEO takeaways • Seattle Mariners second-half surge, AL West race • Luis Castillo dominant start, Mitch Garver home run • 2025 MLB trade deadline targets for Mariners • Draft pick Kade Anderson strengthens Mariners farm system