Passan names Mariners MLB's biggest disappointment over Mets

ESPN's Jeff Passan picked Seattle over New York as the league's most disappointing team in 2026, citing the Mets' promising rookie class as the difference.

ESPN's Jeff Passan has named the Seattle Mariners the biggest disappointment of the 2026 Major League Baseball season, ahead of the New York Mets.

Passan wrote that the Mets' strong rookie seasons from Carson Benge and A.J. Ewing, who could join Juan Soto in a standout outfield as soon as next year, give New York something positive to build on despite a down year.

Seattle has fewer bright spots, according to the report. Cal Raleigh has regressed, Julio Rodriguez has not performed at his earlier star level, and a rotation expected to be a strength has fallen short. Offseason additions such as Josh Naylor and Brendan Donovan have also underwhelmed.

The Mariners face additional uncertainty with Randy Arozarena heading to free agency and possibly leaving a hole in the outfield and lineup. Young players like Cole Young, Kade Anderson, and Colt Emerson offer some reason for optimism.

The report also notes that missing the postseason in a weak AL West looks especially bad for a Mariners team that was one win from the World Series a year ago.