Seattle Mariners: Arms race to fill out starting rotation
Free Agents
This is a tough one because the Seattle Mariners shelled out so much for Robbie Ray. That’s why it’s hard to imagine Carlos Rodon, Clayton Kershaw, or Zack Greinke coming to the Emerald City. But Tyler Anderson is another story.
Anderson was okay with flashes of very good after he was traded to Seattle at the deadline. In his run from July 31 – August 22, the former Oregon Ducks star made five starts with a 3.00 ERA and yielded just three walks in 27 innings. But his overall numbers suggest he shouldn’t make more than the $3.05M Flexen gets this season. Then again, Seattle needs another lefty.
Tyler Anderson has been NAILS. #SeaUsRise pic.twitter.com/JRUSzRoKFl
— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) September 4, 2021
Other free agent starters to consider are Brett Anderson, former Seattle Mariner Michael Pineda, and Washington native Matthew Boyd. But the GM will need to get a discounted deal to bring any of those three to Seattle.
Trade Market
The trade front is even harder to predict. Part of that has to do with the lockout. While it continues, teams are not allowed to discuss players. Unless Trader Jerry had something cooking for a starter before the lockout started, it may be a while as teams assess their rosters after the second wave of free agents sign.
Spring Training invitees
Mariners pitching coach Pete Woodworth did a masterful job with reclamation projects in the bullpen. Relievers Drew Steckenrider, Paul Sewald, Casey Sadler, JT Chargois, and Kendall Graveman all had outstanding years under his guidance.
Can he repeat that success with starters in 2022? If so, the M’s save money and can take on a contract mid-season.