Seattle Mariners: Excitement, Downers and a limited Window of Opportunity
Joe Swenson
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There are things the Seattle Mariners can control and others they can’t. Current circumstances lead fans toward optimism and caution as the team’s window of opportunity may start to close just as it opens.
This week there was a ton of information about the future of the Seattle Mariners. Literally 2,000 pounds. From MLB.com’s annual posting of the Top 100 prospects to spring training, non-roster invitees. Fans, players, management, and the league filled social media with literally hundreds of posts about the team. There’s plenty to keep the hot stove warm.
Why M’s Fans Are Excited
There isn’t an official stat on this, but I would think that most Mariners fans are excited to get this season underway for many reasons.
Infield Defense
This year the M’s have one of the best infield defenses in the league. J.P. Crawford and Evan White won gold gloves in 2020, and Kyle Seager already owns a gold glove. While using a plug and play isn’t ideal, whoever plays the position on a given night could reap the benefits of Crawford’s and White’s range. If the Mariners add a player such as Kolton Wong, then the infield defense could be legendary.
Top Outfield Prospects
According to MLB Pipeline, the Seattle Mariners have the numbers one and two outfield prospects in baseball, Jared Kelenic and Julio Rodriguez. Anyone who followed the M’s for any length of time hasn’t seen this. Ken Griffey Jr. A-Rod, and Felix Hernandez, all at different points, were top prospects at their position. But the top two at the same time? It’s a Mariners first.
Starting Pitching Depth
Contrary to popular belief, the Seattle Mariners don’t need to add a veteran arm to the rotation. First time in forever that the Mls haven’t added a Wade LeBlanc or Wade Miley type pitcher. No Mike Leake either. Taijaun Walker? Frankly, they don’t need him either, and adding Walker might put a cork in the development of one of the young pitchers.
Is Marco Gonzales an ace? He’s not prototypical, but his 36-24 record as the Mariners number one starter says that he is. Marco as a second or third starter? It’s more plausible, but not at this time, which makes 2021 exciting to watch. Logan Gilbert, Emerson Hancock, and George Kirby are waiting in the wings to push Marco down the rotation.
Youth Movement
Kelenic and Rodriguez are the top prospects, but they aren’t all of the Seattle Mariners future. Fans can look forward to the arrivals of Gilbert, Hancock, Kirby, Taylor Trammell, Andres Munoz, Noelvi Marte, Juan Then, and Cal Raleigh over the next few seasons. Adding those talents to a developing core that includes Crawford, White, Justus Sheffield, Justin Dunn, Kyle Lewis, and Ty France will lead to something special.