Notable Additions: Ryne Stanek, Jorge Polanco, Mitch Garver
Notable Losses: Teoscar Hernandez, Robbie Ray, Eugenio Suarez
The Seattle Mariners have won 88 or more games in the last three seasons. However, they have only made the playoffs once. They compete in a top-heavy division and constantly battle for a wild card spot. That changes this year. Not only will they make the playoffs, but they will also win their first AL West title since 2001. They will accomplish that because of one word: pitching.
Projected Starters
C: Cal Raleigh
1B: Ty France
2B: Jorge Polanco
3B: Josh Rojas
SS: JP Crawford
LF: Luke Raley
CF: Julio Rodriguez
RF: Mitch Haniger
DH: Mitch Garver
Starting with their hitting, it does not impress me that much. Of course, Julio Rodriguez is great, but he and JP Crawford were the only qualified players with an OPS above .800. As a team, they weren’t bad, ranking 16th overall in OPS. Don’t get me wrong, they have solid hitters. Cal Raleigh, Ty France, and Jorge Polanco are fine. Outside of JRod, I don’t see another superstar-caliber player who strikes fear into an opposing pitcher. It may be harsh, but I give the Mariners hitting a 5/10.
Projected Starting Rotation
Luis Castillo
George Kirby
Logan Gilbert
Bryce Miller
Bryan Woo
This is where the meat and potatoes sit. This pitching rotation is the best in baseball and is not close. Last season, the Mariners ranked 3rd in ERA as a team. The only two teams above them were Milwaukee and San Diego, and they lost Corbin Burnes and Blake Snell, respectively. The Mariners have kept their entire rotation intact heading into 2024. Four of their five starters had an FIP under 4.00 in 2023, and all had a K/9 over 8.0. This is the easiest 10/10 I have given out.
Their bullpen is just as good. They gave up Paul Sewald at the deadline and were just fine. Andres Munoz, Matt Brash, Gregory Santos, Gabe Speier, and Ryne Stanek make up an extremely scary bullpen. None of these guys are elite superstars, but they are very good. I give their bullpen a 9/10.
Sock’s 2 X-Factors
Julio Rodriguez: JRod has been electric for the Mariners over the last two years. Last season, he hit .275/.333/.485 with 32 home runs, 37 stolen bases and a 126 WRC+. He does have his fair share of whiffs and chase moments. However, he makes up for it with how hard he hits the ball. He ranks in the 95th percentile for average exit velocity and hard-hit percentage. He is only 23 years old and should have no trouble improving as his career continues.
Luis Castillo: Entering his age 31 season, Luis Castillo has been a fantastic ace for the Mariners. Since joining the team, he has a 3.37 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, 301 strikeouts, and a 10.1 K/9. Castillo is your prototypical strikeout pitcher. He ranks in the 77th percentile for strikeout percentage and 81st percentile for whiff percentage. He should have no problem striking guys out with ease in 2024.
Sleeper: George Kirby: If you didn’t know about George Kirby before, I will ensure you do now. Kirby, 26, is a 6’4″ control manioc. He is in the 100th percentile for walks percentage, with 2.5%! In 190.2 innings of work last season, Kirby had a 3.35 ERA and 3.34 FIP with 190 strikeouts. He will be a dark horse Cy Young candidate in 2024 and a future favorite beyond 2024.
Prospects to Look Forward To
Cole Young: Selected in the first round of the 2022 MLB draft, Young hit .277/.399/.448 with 11 home runs and 9 triples in 2023. He has a great left-handed swing and will fit in nicely at third base or replace JP Crawford if the Mariners lose him.
Harry Ford: Selected in the first round of the 2021 MLB draft, Ford hit .257/.410/.430 in 118 games last season. He has a good arm behind the plate and a good right-handed swing and has been labeled as a good leader in the minor league clubhouse. He and Cal Raleigh could be a perfect platoon duo in the near future.
GM For a Day
The Mariners need hitting, and I think they should go after a guy like Yoan Moncada. The White Sox need to rebuild, and they could use a solid hitter like Moncada on the roster.
Projected Finish: 91-71, 1st in the AL West, 2nd seed in the AL
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