The Mariners and Athletics are playing for two different reasons at this point of the 2025 season. Seattle is pushing for an AL West title, while also competing in the Wild Card race. Meanwhile, the Athletics are at the bottom of the AL West, just looking to rebuild day by day.
The Mariners are -175 moneyline favorites, while the Athletics are +143 on DraftKings Sportsbook. The game total is set at over/under eight runs.
Here’s my prediction and pick for Saturday’s Mariners vs. Athletics matchup.
Mariners vs. Athletics prediction
This is exactly the series Seattle needs. It had been struggling lately, playing the Mets and Phillies in recent games. The team entered on a five-game losing streak before winning last night’s contest 3-2.
The Athletics are a fun team, but they aren’t very good. They’re 12 games below .500 and the second worst team in the American League. Still, they have a handful of exciting players in the lineup, including Nick Kurtz, Shea Langeliers and Jacob Wilson.
The pitching isn’t horrific either, considering the record. The Athletics are starting Jeffrey Springs tonight. He has 4.24 ERA through 140 innings this season. On one hand, the Mariners have a potent offense, making this a potential nightmare for Springs. On the other hand, they haven’t been scoring much lately.
Over the past six games, the Mariners have scored 1, 3, 7, 4, 2, 3 runs. It’s not glamorous, and it means Spring may have an easier time tonight.
The Mariners are starting George Kirby, who has a 4.22 ERA through 89.2 innings this season. He’s battled injuries, hence why his innings total is below 100, but he’s also not where he wants to be. The 27-year-old had a 3.39, 3.35 and a 3.53 ERA in his first three seasons. Year four hasn’t been as kind.
The Athletics are a bit unpredictable. The offense sometimes explodes, and other times it’s quiet. Kirby could silence them, but he’s also had terrible outings this season. It’s hard to pinpoint what each side will show tonight.
Mariners vs. Athletics pick, best bet
Springs doesn’t give me much confidence, but it’s not about him. He shouldn’t allow too many runs, which is all he needs to do. The Athletics offense will take advantage of Kirby tonight.
Kurtz and Langeliers will be key contributors once again, and the Athletics will get the victory.