The Seattle Mariners were an absolute mess 10 years ago but have posted 90, 90, 88, 85 and 90 wins over the past five seasons (88.6 average) while the Red Sox posted 25 fewer victories with 92, 78, 78, 81 and 89 wins (83.6 average). Last season the Red Sox closed the significant gap of the previous three seasons.
The Red Sox and Mariners have reasons to be optimistic about 2026. In last week's preliminary ZiPS projections, columnist Dan Szymborski speculated: "There's a high probability the Mariners enter 2026 with the most projected wins in the American League, at least according to ZiPS."
https://blogs.fangraphs.com/2026-zips-projections-seattle-mariners/
No need to address the payroll differences.😉
Today Szymborski concluded: "At least according to ZiPS, the Red Sox have a roster that ought to have them competing with the best in the AL."
https://blogs.fangraphs.com/2026-zips-projections-boston-red-sox/