The Seattle Mariners have emerged from a three-year period of disintegration, waiting for prospects, and an unexpected season in contention. They are now poised to end the two-decade-old narrative that has overshadowed the franchise.
Playoffs? They are a possibility for this group of Mariners, and perhaps even an expectation.
The stakes are higher after a 90-win campaign that saw Seattle in contention for the wild-card spot until the last day. After the 2018 season, Jerry Dipoto, president of baseball operations, seems to have completed the rebuild. Seattle starts the season with a strong rotation and a bullpen that is capable of producing some impressive results.
This means that being a contender is unlikely to be enough for the starved fan base that has been waiting 21 years since their last playoff game.
Based on the past couple of years, we have put ourselves in a great position. Scott Servais, manager, said that last year was a big help. “I am so excited. “I thought we had a lot of momentum.”
Dipoto’s offseason moves reflected his belief that Seattle is poised for more than a one-year run. Robbie Ray, the reigning AL Cy Young champion, was his top-of-the rotation arm. The Mariners made a spring training trade to acquire All-Star Jesse Winker from Cincinnati and third baseman Eugenio Suarez from the Mariners.
To make their playoff dreams come true, the Mariners will still rely on a few unproven players. Jarred Kelenic needs to learn from last season’s struggles and prove that he is one the best prospects in baseball. Chris Flexen must prove that his 14 wins last year were not a fluke. Mitch Haniger must stay healthy and serve as the anchor in the middle of the order. Julio Rodriguez must be ready to play when he arrives on opening day, or shortly thereafter.
There are still many questions. If they are answered in Seattle’s expectations, the Mariners might push Houston to the AL West.
Marco Gonzales, a starter, said, “With all the excitement surrounding our team, the guys here, and the momentum from last year, how can one not be hungry?
RAY DAY
The Mariners signed Ray for five years at $115million. This was Seattle’s most significant offseason acquisition. Ray was dominant in Toronto last season, going 13-7 and posting a 2.48 ERA with 248 strikeouts.
Servais stated, “There’s a lot of presence, very clear idea about who he really is.”
Ray’s arrival extends Seattle’s rotation. Gonzales, Chris Flexen, and Logan Gilbert complete the top four spots.
NEW LOOK
Ray was Seattle’s only major free agent signing. However, the Mariners seemed to be looking to strengthen their lineup through trades.
First, Adam Frazier from Pittsburgh was added to the team. He is likely to be the regular second baseman. Even though both of these issues remain, the deal to bring in Winker from Cincinnati and Suarez (from Cincinnati) solved them. Winker’s strengths are at the plate more so than in the field, and he will likely be the designated hitter for many games. Suarez is a different player than he was after his shoulder surgery in 2020. He also has a lower defensive score than Kyle Seager, who provided the Mariners with third base for 11 seasons.
ROOKIES TO WATCH
Rodriguez will be the focus of all eyes. Rodriguez looks ready to play in the majors, according to all indications. Rodriguez was dominant at all levels he played in the minors last season and was a shining light for the Dominican Republic during this year’s Olympics.
Dipoto stated, “He’s going in with high energy. His potential to impact sooner rather than later is extremely high.”
The No. The No. 5 spot in the rotation will likely fall to rookie Matt Brash, with fellow rookie George Kirby being another option.
RACE OF ARMS
With the addition of Drew Steckenrider, Paul Sewald and others, Seattle boasted one of the most impressive bullpens in the league.
The addition of veteran Ken Giles, and young Andres Munoz (both healthy after Tommy John surgery), could make it even more exciting. After Casey Sadler’s shoulder surgery, Seattle added Sergio Romo to its roster.
