On March 30, the 2023 MLB season will kick off. We are therefore embarking on a long marathon to see if the Astros will be dethroned at the end of the race.
After the Athletics yesterday, on the menu today: the Mariners de Seattle.
After surprising a lot of people in 2021, the Mariners wanted to take a big step forward in 2022. By adding Robbie Ray, Jesse Winker, Eugenio Suarez and Adam Frazier to a talented young group, we hoped to give the Astros a good fight. at the top of the division.
And even if the team reached the playoffs after a good regular season and eliminated the Blue Jays, it was much more complex against the Astros. The latter swept the Mariners in three short games, the last meeting ending in the 18th inning thanks to Jeremy Pena.
All in all, then, 2022 will have been a great season of progression in Seattle, but the team still needs to take a step forward in 2023 to be considered among the best formations on the circuit.
Additions/departures
The Mariners’ biggest acquisition this winter is without a doubt Teoscar Hernandez. The outfielder, acquired from the Jays in return for Erik Swanson and Adam Macko, will provide offensive punch in the middle of the formation.
That said, Teo is not the only acquisition made by the Mariners. Kolten Wong also came through trade, just like AJ Pollock and Tommy La Stella came through the freelance market.
There is also Trevor Gott in the bullpen, but there is talk of a slightly more minor signing.
As for departures, we note the presence of Abraham Toro and Jesse Winker, who were sent to the Brewers in the trade that brought Wong to Seattle.
We also find Mitch Haniger, a face of the organization for a few years. The latter is now on the side of San Francisco.
Erik Swanson (Blue Jays), Carlos Santana (Pirates), Kyle Lewis (Diamonbacks), Adam Frazier (Orioles), Luke Weaver and Curt Casali (Reds) and Matthew Boyd (Tigers) also packed their bags.
Strengths weaknesses
On paper, the Mariners look like a pretty complete team. The acquisition of Teoscar Hernandez solidifies a roster that was already led by the electrifying Julio Rodriguez, who could enter the MVP race this season.
Yes, he is that good.
Kolten Wong, Ty France, Eugenio Suarez, Cal Raleigh, JP Crawford, AJ Pollock: there are some good hitters in town, and Jarred Kelenic has the potential to be another.
The rotation is also very solid. The acquisition of Luis Castillo at the latest trade deadline and the presence of guys like Robbie Ray, Logan Gilbert, George Kirby and Marco Gonzales will make it difficult to score points against the team’s starters.
And facing the relievers, it will not be much easier. Despite Swanson’s departure, Firefighters (firefighters, because they put out fires) are still betting on an elite quintet in Paul Sewald, Andres Munoz, Diego Castillo, Matt Brash and Penn Murfee.
What to expect in 2023?
On paper, the Mariners look like a club that will have no trouble qualifying for the playoffs. That said, that’s no longer the goal this year: now the group is ready to make some headway in the playoffs and fight with the Astros for division supremacy.
It won’t be an easy task, but the potential is there.
I don’t know if they’ll win their division, but regardless, playoff success will determine whether the 2023 season lives up to expectations in Seattle.
The future is now for the Mariners.