As the sun sets on the horizon, the Seattle Mariners are set to kick off their 2025 MLB season against the Oakland Athletics this Friday, March 28, 2025, at 9:40 p.m. ET at T-Mobile Park. This matchup marks the official Opening Day for both teams, and excitement is palpable among fans eager to see how the Mariners will fare after a promising finish last season.
The Mariners enter the game as favorites with a moneyline of -153, while the Athletics are positioned as underdogs at +128. The run line favors Seattle at -1.5 (+144), and the over/under for this contest is set at 7 runs, making it a thrilling opener for baseball enthusiasts.
Julio Rodriguez, a standout player for the Mariners, is under the spotlight as he looks to bounce back from a challenging 2024 season. Rodriguez, who was named the American League Rookie of the Year in 2022 and has been an All-Star in both 2022 and 2023, is determined to reclaim his form. In his previous seasons, he posted impressive OPS+ numbers of 147 in 2022 and 130 in 2023 but saw a decline to 116 in 2024. With a career average of .273 and 68 RBIs last season, Rodriguez is eager to start strong against a division rival.
Against the Athletics, Rodriguez has historically performed well, boasting a .971 OPS and .600 SLG, with a tOPS+ of 146 in his career. This gives him a significant edge as he prepares to face Athletics' pitcher Luis Severino, who will be making his first start for Oakland after a season with the Mets. Severino, who has had his share of ups and downs, carries an ERA of 4.36 over the last three seasons, indicating that he can be vulnerable on the mound.
"I feel ready and focused for this season. It’s crucial for me to start strong and help my team get off on the right foot," Rodriguez said during a recent interview. His confidence is bolstered by the Mariners' recent hiring of manager Dan Wilson, who guided the team to a 21-13 record after taking over in August last year.
Wilson's leadership has revitalized the Mariners, who led the league in runs scored during the spring and are eyeing a competitive season in the AL West. With the Rangers and Astros also vying for playoff spots, every game counts, and the Mariners are hoping to capitalize on their early-season matchups against teams like the Athletics.
As for the betting odds, Rodriguez's prop bets are generating buzz among sports bettors. The odds for him to record a hit are set at o0.5 (-240) and u0.5 (+175), while his home run odds sit at o0.5 (+425). The most appealing bet, according to analysts, is for Rodriguez to record at least one RBI at +145, reflecting his capability to drive in runs against a pitcher prone to giving up big hits.
"With Severino on the mound, I believe Julio can capitalize on his opportunities. He has a knack for delivering when it matters most, and I expect him to get at least one RBI tonight," remarked Blake Krass, a sports analyst.
Meanwhile, the Athletics will be looking to spoil the Mariners' plans. Last season, the Athletics struggled, winning only 39.3% of their games as underdogs. However, they have players like Brent Rooker, who hit 39 home runs and had 112 RBIs last season, and JJ Bleday, who contributed significantly with 20 home runs and 43 doubles. These players could be pivotal in turning the tide for Oakland.
In terms of team stats, the Mariners won 58.2% of games last season when they were the moneyline favorite, indicating a strong potential for them to carry that momentum into this season. They also had a solid record of 27-17 when favored with odds of -153 or shorter, showcasing their capability to perform under pressure.
As the game approaches, fans are buzzing with predictions. Many experts anticipate a close contest, with a predicted score of Mariners 5, Athletics 3, and the total runs exceeding 7. Win probabilities suggest the Mariners have a 65% chance of emerging victorious, while the Athletics sit at 35%.
With all eyes on T-Mobile Park, the stage is set for an electric Opening Day matchup. The Mariners are eager to start their season on a high note, while the Athletics aim to prove their worth as underdogs. Julio Rodriguez's performance will undoubtedly be a focal point, as fans hope to witness the return of his explosive batting.
As the clock ticks down to game time, the anticipation builds. Will Rodriguez deliver the fireworks expected of him? Can the Mariners live up to their favorites' status? Only time will tell as the first pitch approaches and the 2025 MLB season officially begins.
