The initial ZiPS standings projections from Dan Szymborski at FanGraphs have been released. They are built by incorporating the projections into FanGraphs’ roster projections for playing time, then simulating the season as scheduled a cool one million times.
That as scheduled is important, because it means these projections incorporate both the present “true talent” of teams as well as the strength (or weakness) of their division and schedule writ large. The Mariners face a division that is likely weaker than the AL East, but drastically stronger than the AL (or NL) Central.