by Will Rogers
Sunday, Mar 03, 2024The Seattle Mariners went 88-74 last year. A franchise best 21-6 August, which was preceded by a hot 17-9 July, had them in prime position to return to the postseason. Sadly, for Seattle fans, the Mariners couldn't keep it up in September. They stumbled down the stretch and missed out on the playoffs in rather heart-breaking fashion. The top two teams in their division, Houston and Texas, both made it. Each finished with 90 wins. Will the Mariners take the next step this season? Or, did they miss out on their chance? Let's take a closer look.
This season, the Mariners are projected to win 86.5 to 87.5 games, depending on which sports book one uses. They range between about +270 to +300 to win their division. Once again, they're expected to be in a 3-team race with the Astros and the Rangers. Houston (92.5 wins) and Texas (89.5 wins) are projected to finish first and second, respectively. The other two teams in the division, the Angels and Athletics, are being given no chance.
The Mariners made a number of offseason moves but none that are likely to move the needle too much. Fans weren't thrilled that they traded Eugenio Suárez to Arizona and they would have liked to see Seattle spend more money to go after some bigger names in free agency. The Mariners maintained their core group of players though and arguably have one of the stronger overall teams in the American League.
Paced by their top three starters, Luis Castillo, George Kirby, and Logan Gilbert, the Mariners should again have one of the better starting rotations in baseball. In fact, they return all five starters from last year. Remember, Seattle had the best combined ERA (3.74) in the American League last season. Seattle pitchers recorded 18 shutouts in 2023, the most in the big leagues and a franchise record. The Mariners also set a franchise record with 1,459 strikeouts in 901 innings pitched.
Pitching is definitely their strength but the Mariners do also have a solid lineup, one which includes their young star Julio Rodriguez. The Mariners signed Mitch Garver in free agency and traded for second baseman Jorge Polanco and outfielders Mitch Haniger and Luke Raley. They also strengthened their bullpen by picking up reliever Gregory Santos from Chicago. Those aren't the huge names that some might have wanted but they do make this team better.
The Final Verdict
Health always plays a pivotal role in determining how far teams will go and that will be the case for Seattle. The Mariners' starters did log a lot of innings last season and that could potentially be felt this year. Assuming they can stay reasonably healthy, I'm high on this year's team. I expect them to finish with more than 86 wins and at +300 (Draft Kings) I believe they've got a real shot at winning the division. Get excited Seattle fans, a return to the playoffs seems more likely than not.
This season, the Mariners are projected to win 86.5 to 87.5 games, depending on which sports book one uses. They range between about +270 to +300 to win their division. Once again, they're expected to be in a 3-team race with the Astros and the Rangers. Houston (92.5 wins) and Texas (89.5 wins) are projected to finish first and second, respectively. The other two teams in the division, the Angels and Athletics, are being given no chance.
The Mariners made a number of offseason moves but none that are likely to move the needle too much. Fans weren't thrilled that they traded Eugenio Suárez to Arizona and they would have liked to see Seattle spend more money to go after some bigger names in free agency. The Mariners maintained their core group of players though and arguably have one of the stronger overall teams in the American League.
Paced by their top three starters, Luis Castillo, George Kirby, and Logan Gilbert, the Mariners should again have one of the better starting rotations in baseball. In fact, they return all five starters from last year. Remember, Seattle had the best combined ERA (3.74) in the American League last season. Seattle pitchers recorded 18 shutouts in 2023, the most in the big leagues and a franchise record. The Mariners also set a franchise record with 1,459 strikeouts in 901 innings pitched.
Pitching is definitely their strength but the Mariners do also have a solid lineup, one which includes their young star Julio Rodriguez. The Mariners signed Mitch Garver in free agency and traded for second baseman Jorge Polanco and outfielders Mitch Haniger and Luke Raley. They also strengthened their bullpen by picking up reliever Gregory Santos from Chicago. Those aren't the huge names that some might have wanted but they do make this team better.
The Final Verdict
Health always plays a pivotal role in determining how far teams will go and that will be the case for Seattle. The Mariners' starters did log a lot of innings last season and that could potentially be felt this year. Assuming they can stay reasonably healthy, I'm high on this year's team. I expect them to finish with more than 86 wins and at +300 (Draft Kings) I believe they've got a real shot at winning the division. Get excited Seattle fans, a return to the playoffs seems more likely than not.
