Seattle Mariners 2026 Schedule: Key Series and Randy Johnson Retirement Night

The Seattle Mariners' 2026 season is in full swing, and as the team maneuvers through the competitive AL West, fans are looking ahead to a pivotal stretch in late April and May. With the pitching rotation finding its rhythm and several high-profile home stands on the horizon, the schedule offers a mix of challenging road trips and historic celebrations at T-Mobile Park.

Upcoming Mariners Games: Late April 2026

For fans tracking the immediate action, the Mariners are currently deep into a cross-league road series before returning home for a highly anticipated stretch in early May. Here is the schedule for the next several days:

The Must-Watch Event: Randy Johnson Number Retirement

One of the most significant dates on the 2026 Mariners schedule is Saturday, May 2. During the home game against the Kansas City Royals, the organization will officially retire Randy Johnson's uniform number 51.

The "Big Unit" becomes part of an elite group of Mariners legends with retired numbers, joining Ken Griffey Jr. (#24), Edgar Martinez (#11), and Ichiro Suzuki (#51). This ceremony is a cornerstone event of the 2026 season, celebrating the Hall of Fame left-hander's dominant years in Seattle, where he won his first Cy Young Award. Fans attending the game at T-Mobile Park can expect a pre-game ceremony and commemorative elements throughout the evening.

Analysis of the May Road Trip and Home Stand

Following the early May series against Kansas City, the Mariners face a grueling stretch that will test the depth of their starting rotation.

Series Against the Atlanta Braves (May 4 – May 6)

Immediately following the emotional high of the Randy Johnson ceremony, the Mariners host the Atlanta Braves for a three-game set. This interleague matchup features some of the most potent lineups in baseball. The projected pitching matchups suggest a showdown between George Kirby and Chris Sale in the series opener, a battle of elite control versus veteran southpaw power.

The Houston Astros Rivalry (May 11 – May 14)

The Mariners head to Houston in mid-May for a four-game series at Daikin Park. Given the historical weight of this AL West rivalry, this series will likely have significant implications for the divisional standings. Seattle's rotation, led by Logan Gilbert and Luis Castillo, will need to be at their sharpest to navigate the Astros' heavy-hitting top of the order.

Pitching Rotation and Player Performance Updates

As of late April 2026, the Mariners' starting pitching has been the bedrock of the team’s success. The five-man rotation of Logan Gilbert, George Kirby, Bryan Woo, Emerson Hancock, and Luis Castillo has consistently kept the team in games.

• George Kirby: Kirby remains a statistical marvel, leading the American League in strikeout-to-walk ratio. His career performance against divisional rivals like the Texas Rangers (holding a sub-1.50 ERA over 11 starts) continues to be a major advantage for Seattle.
• Logan Gilbert: Gilbert has shown increased velocity on his splitter this season, making him a perennial threat for double-digit strikeouts in every outing.
• Julio Rodríguez: On the offensive side, Julio Rodríguez has entered May on a hot streak, having reached base in 14 consecutive games through mid-April. His OPS has steadily climbed as his power numbers reflect a more aggressive approach to high fastballs.

Mariners Value Games and Promotions

The 2026 schedule includes several "Value Games" designed to make T-Mobile Park accessible to all fans. For the series against the Oakland Athletics and certain midweek games in May, tickets are often available starting as low as $7.00.

Notable May Promotions:

• May 1: Mariners Value Game (Discounted tickets and concessions).
• May 2: Randy Johnson Number 51 Retirement (Commemorative item for first 20,000 fans).
• May 4-5: Interleague matchups against Atlanta with special mid-week pricing.

Viewing and Radio Information

For fans unable to make it to T-Mobile Park, games are primarily broadcast on ROOT SPORTS (referred to locally as Mariners TV). Out-of-market fans can stream games via the MLB.tv platform, subject to local blackout restrictions.

On the radio, 710 AM Seattle Sports remains the home for every pitch, featuring the legendary Rick Rizzs in his 41st and final season behind the microphone. This adds an emotional layer to every broadcast as fans listen to one of the most iconic voices in Pacific Northwest sports history for the last time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What time do the gates open at T-Mobile Park?

Typically, gates open 90 minutes before the scheduled first pitch for all home games. For special events like the Randy Johnson retirement ceremony on May 2, fans are encouraged to arrive at least two hours early to ensure they are in their seats for the pre-game festivities.

When does the Mariners 2026 regular season end?

The regular season is scheduled to conclude on Sunday, September 27, 2026, with a home game against the Los Angeles Angels.

How can I buy tickets for away games in Houston or Chicago?

Tickets for away games at Daikin Park (Houston) or Guaranteed Rate Field (Chicago) are available through the host team's box office or authorized secondary markets like Ticketmaster.

Summary of the 2026 Mariners Schedule

The 2026 Seattle Mariners schedule is packed with high-stakes divisional play and historic moments. From the critical road series against the Twins and Astros to the legendary number retirement of Randy Johnson, May is a defining month for the club. With a pitching rotation performing at an elite level and star players like Julio Rodríguez heating up, the Mariners are well-positioned to remain a force in the American League as the summer approachs. Fans should keep a close eye on the rotation health and the upcoming home stands to catch the best of Seattle baseball.