The 2021 Mariners have been surprising for a couple of reasons. The first, and most obvious, has been their success in the standings. Run differential is imperfect, and its value has been talked to death, but the team’s -60 run differential is a bit more representative of the Mariners team most of us projected going into this season than their 81-69 record.
Still more surprising, I would argue, has been the degree to which the 2021 Mariners have been likeable. The personalities have been fun, the top of the order has anchored a (usually) competent lineup, and the rotation has been surprisingly steadfast.