The Seattle Mariners are just weeks away from reporting to spring training at the team's complex in Peoria, Ariz.

Many of the players who'll be present during the Cactus League will be away from the organization for as long as two weeks due to the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

The Mariners have nearly a dozen players who have been reported or rumored to take part in the international competition which takes place March 5-17. Among the countries confirmed or rumored to have an M's player representing them are: the U.S., Canada, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Venezuela and Colombia.

Several of the most notable players that will be competing in the event include 2025 All-Stars, outfielder Julio Rodriguez (Dominican Republic), catcher Cal Raleigh (Team USA), outfielder Randy Arozarena (Mexico) and closer Andres Munoz (Mexico).

With so many players scheduled to be away from the team, Seattle will have to deploy a lot of atypical lineups and bullpen combinations for Cactus League play, which could provide an amazing opportunity for several players to secure their spots on the Opening Day roster.

In a recent appearance on Seattle Sports 710 on Jan. 20, Mariners manager Dan Wilson was asked about having so many of his players participating in the WBC and his message to them.

"I think, on the one hand, this is an incredible honor for them," Wilson said on the radio appearance. "To play for your country, to represent your country in anything is a phenomenal honor. I think this WBC has proven over the years to be very competitive. There's a lot on the line there in terms of bragging rights and these guys take it very seriously. I'm excited for these guys that have the opportunity to do that. It's gonna impact us quite a bit. We've got quite a few players, we've got some coaches that are gonna be representing their respective countries and even some trainers from what I understand, too. ... I think it's something that is an honor for these guys and they are looking forward to the experience. If you go all the way, you'll be back with about a week left in spring training. And that will be the time where your focus really begins to come back to the Mariners and really begin to look ahead. ... These guys will be ready. They're gonna come into spring training ready to go. (The WBC) is a little bit earlier this year, so gives them a little bit more time. But all in all, I think enjoy the experience. ... And when you get back, it's all hands on deck for the regular season."

For any players who compete through the final day of the WBC, they'll report back to the team with six more Cactus League games to go, with the last one taking place against the San Diego Padres at 12:10 p.m. PT on March 23.

After that, the team will turn toward the 2026 regular season, which begins against the Cleveland Guardians at 7:10 p.m. PT on March 26 at T-Mobile Park in Seattle.

The Mariners will look to take the next step after the best postseason run in franchise history. In 2025, they advanced to Game 7 of the American League Championship Series. They were one win away from the World Series for the first time since the organization was established in 1977.

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