We’re about a quarter of the way through the season and the Seattle Mariners are in first place in the AL West. This is due in large part to their World Series-caliber pitching staff. However, their offense leaves a lot to be desired. The Mariners are 13th in the American League only averaging 3.86 runs per game. This offensive output isn’t going to cut it if the Mariners aspire to play deep into the postseason. Seattle needs to add a big bat at the trade deadline.
Seattle’s Success Can Be Attributed To Their Pitching Staff
Embed from Getty ImagesA quarter through the 2024 season, the Seattle Mariners lead the AL West by one and a half games over the Texas Rangers. A big reason for their success is their pitching staff. Stars Luis Castillo, Bryce Miller, Logan Gilbert, and George Kirby have a combined ERA of 3.14 with 220 strikeouts. The Mariners bullpen has been stellar as well. Led by Trent Thornton, Austin Voth, and closer Andres Munoz; Seattle’s bullpen has a collective ERA of 3.29. The success of the pitching staff is a big reason why the Mariners are currently leading the division.
The Mariners Offense Is Struggling Badly
Embed from Getty ImagesHowever, the Mariners’ offense hasn’t been able to match the success of the pitching staff. The Mariners are currently ranked 13th in the American League averaging just 3.86 runs per game. The only teams averaging fewer runs than Seattle are the Blue Jays and White Sox. On top of their lack of run production, Seattle currently leads the American League in strikeouts.
There are many reasons for the Mariners’ offensive struggles. One reason is Julio Rodriguez is off to a slow start again. Another reason is J.P. Crawford has been on the injured list since April 25th with an oblique strain. Offseason acquisitions Mitch Garver, Mitch Haniger, Jorge Polanco have been major disappointments as well. Ty France seems to have been regressing continuously since his all-star season. It’s hard to have any success offensively with all these issues.
The Front Office Has Work To Do
Embed from Getty ImagesLast season, the Mariners missed the postseason by one game. This team has an opportunity to bounce back from last season’s disappointment in a big way. Seattle’s fan base is hungry for a return to the postseason. Nothing would fire up the city more than to return to the postseason with their first division title since 2001. To make that happen, the Mariners front office has some work to do.
Too Much Is At Stake To Just Sit Around
Seattle can’t afford to be content at the trade deadline. The defending champion Texas Rangers aren’t at full strength right now. The Rangers showed last year they can play well when it matters. There is no reason to believe Texas can’t be at their best again. This makes it even more important for President of Baseball Operations Jerry Dipoto to make a big move at the deadline.
Plenty Of Big Bats To Be Had
Embed from Getty ImagesThere will be plenty of big bats available at the trade deadline. Veterans Paul Goldschmidt, Josh Bell, Luis Robert Jr., and Brandon Drury will most likely be available. Maybe Pete Alonso could be made available at the deadline if the Mets continue to struggle. Alonso is set to be a free agent after this season. Given the Blue Jays’ struggles so far this season, it wouldn’t hurt to inquire about some of their hitters like Vlad Jr. Seattle has the prospects to make a big deal happen.
The Mariners Have A Chance To Have A Special Year
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Mariners need to address their offensive woes if they want to play deep into October. The Rangers showed they can play well when the stakes are high and shouldn’t be taken lightly. There will be plenty of big bats available and Seattle has the prospect capital to get a deal done. The front office needs to recognize they have an opportunity to have a special year. Seattle not only can return to the postseason, but they could win their first division title since 2001. Doing something like that would electrify the city. Acquiring a big bat will give the Mariners a greater chance to accomplish those things. It will also go a long way in the team earning some goodwill from the Mariners’ frustrated fan base.
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