Ten games into the 2026 season, the Mariners are already getting tested. A two-game skid, a rash of early injuries, a Jo Adell home-run robbery that had to be seen to be believed — it’s been a rollercoaster April already. But the schedule is about to get very interesting, very fast.
This Friday, the Houston Astros come to T-Mobile Park for a four-game series (April 10–13), and this is the kind of early-season divisional showdown that actually means something.
Why This Series Matters
The AL West narrative for 2026 is starting to take shape. The Mariners — coming off their first division title in 24 years and a heartbreaking 2025 ALCS exit — are the favorites to repeat. The Astros, meanwhile, missed the playoffs entirely last year for the first time since 2017. They’re hungry, they added Carlos Correa back at the deadline, and they’ve got plenty of veterans who know how to beat Seattle.
Four games at home, in April, against your division rival who wants your crown? That’s not a mid-summer series you’ll watch on TV. That’s a go-to-the-ballpark series.
The Storylines
The Mariners’ Rotation Is for Real
Bryan Woo, Logan Gilbert, George Kirby — this is one of the best young rotations in baseball, and they’re getting their turn against an Astros lineup that has questions. Houston’s offense posted their worst numbers since 2020 last season, and with Yordan Alvarez coming off an injury-plagued year, the Mariners’ arms have a real shot at dominating this series.
Emerson Hancock has been quietly solid through the first week, too — only giving up one run in 6⅔ innings against the Angels. This staff is deep.
Andres Munoz Is Still Unhittable
If you haven’t watched Munoz close out a game in person, add it to your bucket list. The guy saved 38 games last year with a slider that doesn’t make sense. The Astros are going to have to face him in the 9th inning at least once this weekend, and it’s must-see baseball.
Cal Raleigh, 60-Home-Run Man, Is Back
Big Dumper hit 60 home runs in 2025. Sixty. He’s one of the most dangerous power hitters in baseball right now, and T-Mobile Park’s left field is a short porch that has a way of turning good swings into great memories. If you want to catch a Raleigh bomb in person — this series is as good a shot as any.
If you want to rep the catcher who’s rewriting Mariners franchise history, grab a Cal Raleigh jersey before the series.
Cole Young Is Turning Heads
The 22-year-old shortstop is batting around .320 with 8 RBIs through the first week of the season. He’s fast, he’s polished, and he feels like the kind of player you’ll want to say you watched before everyone knew his name. This home stand is a good chance to see him in his element.
The Astros Aren’t Dead Yet
Don’t sleep on Houston. Altuve is still Altuve. Correa is back. They’re capable of winning this series and sending a message that the AL West isn’t handed to anyone. Competitive games in early April are exactly the kind of thing that builds a season-long narrative — and you’d rather be in the stands than watching it on TV when it happens.
Game Times (T-Mobile Park, April 10–13)
| Date | Time (PT) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Friday, April 10 | 6:40 PM | Weekend opener |
| Saturday, April 11 | 6:40 PM | Prime time |
| Sunday, April 12 | 1:10 PM | Day game |
| Monday, April 13 | 1:10 PM | Extra game added |
The Monday afternoon game is an underrated gem — lighter crowds, better sightlines, and the kind of laid-back ballpark experience that reminds you why you love baseball. If your schedule allows it, don’t overlook it.
Get Your Tickets
Don’t wait on this one. The Mariners are coming off a division title, the Astros rivalry is real, and early-season home games at T-Mobile Park are some of the most enjoyable baseball you’ll experience all year.
👉 Buy tickets to the Mariners vs. Astros series on SeatGeek
Gear Up for the Home Stand
Going to the ballpark? Look the part.
- 🧢 Julio Rodríguez jersey — the face of the franchise
- 🥎 Cal Raleigh jersey — for the Big Dumper faithful
- 👗 Women’s Mariners jerseys — sharp looks for the whole crew
- 👦 Kids jerseys — bring the next generation into the fold
- 🔵 Browse all Mariners jerseys
The Mariners are building something real in Seattle. This four-game series against Houston is a chance to be in the building when the 2026 story gets written. Don’t miss it.