Predictions, Where to Watch (9/16/25)

The Seattle Mariners (82‑68) visit the Kansas City Royals (75‑75) tonight to begin a three‑game series at Kauffman Stadium.

The Mariners are the hottest team in baseball, riding a nine-game winning streak that has vaulted them to the top of the AL West. They hold a slim half-game lead over the Houston Astros, with the Texas Rangers just 3.5 games back.

But one slip, however, could put Seattle right back in the thick of the Wild Card race. That makes this series against Kansas City critical, especially with a head-to-head showdown against Houston looming this weekend and a season-ending series against the powerhouse Los Angeles Dodgers. Between those matchups, Seattle also draws the Colorado Rockies — a must-sweep opportunity.

Logan Gilbert takes the mound for Seattle. He’s 4–6 with a 3.54 ERA, but after a rough start in mid-August against the Philadelphia Phillies, he has steadied himself, allowing just two runs total over his last two outings.

Michael Wacha (9–11, 3.45 ERA) gets the start for the Royals. He’s been sharp recently, going 5–2 with a 3.24 ERA in his last seven starts. Still, Wacha has struggled against top offenses and surrendered five runs to Seattle in June.

Prediction

The Mariners’ momentum and depth give them the edge. Gilbert’s steadiness and Seattle’s red-hot bats should be too much for Kansas City to handle.

Prediction: Mariners 5, Royals 3

Starting Lineups

Seattle Mariners

1. Randy Arozarena — LF

2. Cal Raleigh — C

3. Julio Rodríguez — CF

4. Josh Naylor — 1B

5. Jorge Polanco — 2B

6. Eugenio Suárez — 3B

7. Dominic Canzone — DH

8. Victor Robles — RF

9. J.P. Crawford — SS

Starting Pitcher: Logan Gilbert (RHP) — 4‑6, 3.54 ERA

Kansas City Royals

1. Mike Yastrzemski — LF

2. Bobby Witt Jr. — SS

3. Vinnie Pasquantino — 1B

4. Maikel Garcia — 3B

5. Salvador Pérez — DH

6. Jac Caglianone — RF

7. Jonathan India — 2B

8. Carter Jensen — C

9. Kyle Isbel — CF

Starting Pitcher: Michael Wacha (RHP) — 9‑11, 3.45 ERA

How to Watch Mariners vs. Royals

First pitch for tonight’s game between the Seattle Mariners and Kansas City Royals is set for 7:40 PM Eastern / 6:40 PM Central / 4:40 PM Pacific at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City.

The game airs live on FanDuel Sports Network Kansas City and ROOT Sports Northwest.

Out‑of‑market viewers can stream via MLB.TV.