And just like that, we’ve made it to the second half of the season.
What have been the big surprises of 2026 so far? Well, the Chicago White Sox went from a 41-121 record in 2024 — the most losses in modern MLB history — to leading the AL Central! The Miami Marlins were, for a few weeks, the best team in baseball. Meanwhile, the Mets and the Tigers are collapsing, lots of teams are “rebuilding,” and wouldn’t you know it, testicles are exploding.
As for the Mariners, well, it’s still a tight race in the chaotic AL West as them, the Rangers and the Astros all take turns at the top of the division. (Again, Texas isn’t the West, but what the fuck ever).
But another 70-some-odd games also means more themed merchandise! Sometimes they’re free! Sometimes they are attached to a special ticket offer! Read more to find out.
The free stuff, you say? Let’s go. Previous aloha shirts seem to be incredibly popular sartorial choices at the stadium, so don’t hesitate getting this year’s version at the Aug. 1 game against the Twins if you’re one of the first 15,000 fans through the gates. And while the official 50 Seasons Celebration will be on Aug. 8, come to the Aug. 9 game against the fearsome Rays for a special 50 Seasons commemorative pin. Were you bopping around in the 2010s listening to, I don’t know, Lady Gaga and Katy Perry on your iPod between Mariners games? The first 10k fans at the Aug. 23 game against the Cubs will receive a special 2010s pin. Finally, the Aug 24 game against the Phillies is also Native American Heritage Night, and 10k fans will receive a themed jersey!
Onto the special ticket offers! If you want more games honoring your respective culture, there’s Vietnamese Heritage Night on Aug. 4 (vs. the Tigers), Japanese Heritage Night on Aug. 22 and African American Heritage Night on Aug. 23 (both vs. the Cubs). Do you want a Mariners-themed Grateful Dead lightweight hoodie? See you Aug. 5 against Detroit. Want to give thanks to our latest crazy in-game tradition, Hot Dogs From Heaven, with a hat? Aug. 21 against Chicago is your night! Then there are bowling shirts (Aug. 23 vs. Chicago), Care Bears bears! (Aug. 24 vs. Philadelphia) and a celebration of Daniel Tiger (Aug. 9 vs. Tampa Bay). Get in while the getting’s good.
