Seattle Mariners pitcher Logan Gilbert, 2023 Spring Training.
The Seattle Mariners are about to wrap up spring training. As they break camp, the team is in a good place.
They have everything they need for a successful 2023 season, strong starting pitching, a deep bullpen, solid defense, a quality batting order, and depth.
Additionally, last season provided the M’s with both a taste of the postseason as well as a hunger for more. The rest of the American League won’t roll over for Seattle the M’s, so do they have enough?
During his show on 710 ESPN, Seattle Mariners General Manager Jerry Dipoto talked about how happy he is with the makeup of this year’s squad.
“This is the most enjoyable spring training we ever had.”
In other words, the roster is mostly set, except for maybe a battle for the final bullpen spot at stake. With that out of the way, Seattle can work on maximizing the talent they have to win games instead of figuring out who will start in right field.
A big part of being a winner is believing you are a winner. There doesn’t seem to be a shortage of confidence in Peoria these days.
“We’re good, we know we’re good, the teams around us believe we’re good, and our players carry themselves like they know. (Our players) want there to be expectations, and they have those amongst themselves, and they carry themselves with confidence.”
Confidence and talent aren’t the only factors a winner needs. Hard work is also a requirement. Again, Dipoto is happy with the effort so far.
And while breaking the longest playoff drought in American sports last year was great, it was the start, not the end. The Seattle Mariners are focused on taking the next steps forward.
“We made it to the postseason, that’s done, and now we’re focused on this one (2023).”
Last year, the Mariners went 90-72, which was fifth-best in the American League. More importantly, Seattle finished 16 games behind AL West rival Houston, and 9 games behind the New York Yankees.
Dipoto didn’t go on a free agent binge this winter. Other than AJ Pollock and Trevor Gott, there aren’t any “impact” signings.
On the trade front, Teoscar Hernandez, Cooper Hummel, and Kolten Wong were Seattle’s big acquisitions. Hernandez (RF) and Wong (2B) are starters from day one, replacing free agents Mitch Haniger and Adam Frazier. Meanwhile, Hummel will be a valuable utility player off manager Scott Servais’ bench.
What the Seattle Mariners organization is really banking on is the improvement of their young players. With a year of MLB experience under their belts, key players Julio Rodriguez, Cal Raleigh, Logan Gilbert, George Kirby, and Matt Brash should all be better in 2023.
Jarred Kelenic, the once highly regarded prospect, regained some of his swagger this spring. Bringing in Pollock to platoon in left field with him should take some of the pressure off the 23-year-old’s shoulders.
Houston signed Jose Abreu to replace Yuli Gurriel at first base. But they couldn’t bring back staff ace Justin Verlander.
Last season, the American League Cy Young Award winner was 18-4 with a 1.75 ERA, and Houston won 20 of his 28 starts. Making up that type of production will be difficult.
Additionally, the Astros will be without Jose Altuve for the first two months of 2023. The All-Star second baseman broke his thumb at the World Baseball Classic.
The door is open for the Seattle Mariners to win the division.
Yankees GM Brian Cashman didn’t shake up the Bronx Bombers too much. He re-signed Aaron Judge and brought in free agent starter Carlos Rodon.
What they don’t have is a reliable closer. Count on Cashman to fill this role during the season. So the best time to make a move on NYY is as early as possible.
In short, the Seattle Mariners have gained some ground on their two major competitors this offseason. By how much, remains to be seen.