BREAKING: Mariners announce historic comeback for Ichiro Suzuki at 51
As of this writing, the Seattle Mariners have not yet started the 2025 season, with their Opening Day game against the Athletics set for 7:10 p.m. PT on Thursday. However, there is still something noteworthy to discuss, as a bold prediction has been made regarding Ichiro Suzuki’s potential return to the team, even though he is 51 years old.
In a piece by Tyler Kepner for The Athletic, a daring prediction was made for each MLB team ahead of the 2025 season, and the Mariners’ prediction was that Ichiro would make a surprising comeback. Kepner suggested, “Ichiro Suzuki becomes the first player in history to use his Hall of Fame speech to announce his return as an active player.” He went on to say that the Mariners would add Ichiro to their roster, leading to a surge toward an AL West title.
Ichiro has not played in an MLB game since retiring after two games with the Mariners in Japan to open the 2019 season. The Mariners are set to retire Ichiro’s jersey number this season, but the likelihood of him taking the field for Seattle—or any MLB team—is slim.
Nevertheless, the possibility remains that Ichiro, perhaps uncertain about what to do next, could decide to make a comeback to the game.
Cal Raleigh believes Mariners can win World Series
After signing a contract extension with the Seattle Mariners worth $105 million, catcher Cal Raleigh is focused on his next big goal: bringing home a World Series title.
Raleigh expressed his deep connection to the Mariners and the Pacific Northwest, emphasizing how the team has welcomed him since day one. “This place has always felt like home since I arrived here in Seattle. They took me in with kindness and respect, and it is one of the top places to play in professional sports,” he shared with the Seattle Times.
“I wanted to stay here because of the bond with the people of the Pacific Northwest and the Mariners, but I know things don’t always go as planned. I feel blessed that the Mariners gave me this opportunity, and I can’t think of a better place in MLB to call home. We have a great group of players, and we’re close to bringing a World Series to Seattle.”
Raleigh is fully aware of the challenges ahead but remains committed to the effort. “It won’t be easy, but I believe ownership and management share the same vision and commitment,” he said. “I won’t stop working and grinding until this city gets what it deserves—a perennial playoff team and a World Series Championship.”
The World Series Raleigh aims to deliver would be the Mariners’ first in franchise history.