Mariners fans haven’t viewed their team in a playoff game since 2001. They extended their streak of no postseason appearances to 20 years last season, but Seattle won 90 games despite being outscored by 51 runs. Their pitching staff finished 16th in ERA (4.30) while ranking higher in bullpen ERA (3.88 – eighth). The Mariners’ relievers picked up 45 wins and 51 saves with 27 losses. Seattle scored 697 runs (23rd), hit 199 home runs (13th) and stole 64 bases (18th).
Their big push in free agency was the signing of SP Robbie Ray ($115 million for five seasons). The Mariners locked up RP Andres Munoz for four years ($7.5m), hoping that his triple-digit fastball develops into a shutdown pitch in the ninth inning. They lost SP Tyler Anderson, SP Yusei Kikuchi, SP James Paxton (BOS), RP Sean Doolittle, 3B Kyle Seager and OF Jake Bauers (CIN) to the free agency. Seattle acquired 2B Adam Frazier from the Padres for RP Ray Kerr and OF Corey Rosier.
The Mariners have a pair of potential impact young outfielders (Jarred Kelenic and Julio Rodriguez) who project to be the foundation of their offense for much of the remaining decade. Seattle also has developing depth in their starting lineup to help push them higher in the offensive rankings.
