The Mariners are hosting the Blue Jays this weekend, so Seattle’s official team store is taking advantage of the once-a-year series. The team has dedicated a section of the store this week to Blue Jays merchandise for visiting fans.
Seattle is located relatively close to the Canadian border, about 150 miles from Vancouver. So it’s easier for western Canadian Blue Jays fans to see the team play in Seattle than to go all the way to Toronto.
Still, the decision to sell the opposing team’s gear has irked at least two Mariners players. Shortstop J.P. Crawford and reliever Paul Sewald expressed their displeasure on social media.
Paul Sewald and J.P. Crawford on the Mariners selling Blue Jays merch in their team store pic.twitter.com/AHrC0IQa9i
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) July 18, 2023
It’s not unheard of for teams to take advantage of popular opponents by selling their merchandise in team stores. Still, it’s understandable that players might get upset if they believe their organization is giving some favor to their opponent.
Seattle is 5 1/2 games behind Toronto in the wild-card standings, making this weekend’s series important for the Mariners’ playoff chances. Crawford and Sewald appear to want everyone on the same page ahead of the matchup.
