The Seattle Mariners’ Road to Redemption – Can They Turn Their Season Around?

• Ken Rosenthal, Senior Baseball Writer for The Athletic: “The Mariners have done a great job of building a young core that can compete for years to come. With players like Julio Rodríguez and Logan Gilbert leading the way, this team has a bright future.”
• Jeff Passan, ESPN MLB Insider: “Seattle’s farm system is one of the best in baseball. They have a mix of high-ceiling talent and depth, which is crucial for sustained success. The Mariners are not just building for a playoff push; they are building a perennial contender.”

The Seattle Mariners’ season has taken a dramatic downturn. On June 18, they were riding high with a 44-31 record, 10 games ahead in the AL West. However, in the two months since, they’ve struggled, posting a 21-33 record and falling 5.5 games behind. After an abysmal 1-8 road trip, the Mariners made a drastic change by parting ways with longtime manager Scott Servais. Former Mariners catcher Dan Wilson has stepped in as the new manager, hoping to breathe life into the team. Wilson’s promotion could be just what the Mariners need to reinvigorate the team. Other teams, like the Philadelphia Phillies in 2022, have shown that a managerial switch can spark a turnaround. The Mariners will need this “new manager honeymoon” period to translate into wins quickly.

After the #Mariners changed managers, the Astros increased their AL West lead to the biggest they’ve had this season.https://t.co/2eqCwAHs3V

— Seattle Sports (@SeattleSports) August 23, 2024

The Mariners’ starting rotation has been a bright spot, even during their recent struggles. Led by Luis Castillo, Logan Gilbert, George Kirby, and Bryce Miller, Seattle’s starters rank among the best in Major League Baseball. With an ERA of 3.32, they lead the league in several pitching categories, offering hope that if they can reach the postseason, their rotation will make them a formidable opponent.

The Mariners have sorely missed shortstop J.P. Crawford, who has been out since late July with a broken hand. Despite a down year offensively, Crawford’s leadership and defensive abilities are crucial for the Mariners. His return could provide the team with the stability and boost they need to improve their play.

While the Mariners have a tough road ahead, their immediate schedule is more forgiving compared to their competitors. They have upcoming series against teams like the San Francisco Giants and Tampa Bay Rays, with a few off-days in between. These games provide an opportunity for Seattle to gain ground in the standings and build momentum.

The Mariners still have a crucial series against the Houston Astros in late September, which could determine the division’s fate. Seattle has held its own against Houston this season, and if they can close the gap in the standings, that series could be pivotal. Winning that series could not only put them in contention but also secure the tiebreaker, giving them a shot at winning the AL West.

Can Mariners turn it around? Five reasons why Seattle can make MLB playoffs after firing Scott Servais

The Mariners should be optimistic about a J.P. Crawford return and more#MLB pic.twitter.com/cq2Goxpl8S

— Rachel Cox (@Sversov) August 23, 2024

The Mariners’ journey from 10 games up to 5.5 games back has been disheartening, but the season isn’t over. With a new manager at the helm, a strong rotation, the return of key players, and a favorable schedule, Seattle still has a path to October. It won’t be easy, but if they can rally and make the most of their opportunities, the Mariners could be playing postseason baseball.

More quotes and info

• Jim Bowden, Former MLB Executive and Analyst for CBS Sports: “The Mariners’ front office deserves credit for their player development. They’ve been able to draft and cultivate talent effectively. Guys like George Kirby and Jarred Kelenic have the potential to be franchise cornerstones if they continue to develop as expected.”
• Jon Morosi, MLB Network Insider: “What makes the Mariners exciting is their combination of young talent and the willingness to make bold moves in the trade market. This team could be a major force in the AL West if their prospects pan out and they continue to add key pieces around them.”
• Fangraphs Analysis: “The Mariners have a top-10 farm system with several players who could make an impact at the big league level soon. The organization has focused on developing a well-rounded roster with strong pitching prospects and versatile position players.”
• Mike Petriello, MLB.com Analyst: “Julio Rodríguez is the face of the Mariners’ future, but he’s not alone. Seattle’s prospect depth is impressive, and they have several arms who could emerge as frontline starters or high-leverage relievers.”
• Keith Law, Senior Baseball Writer for The Athletic: “The Mariners’ prospect pipeline is impressive. They have a lot of high-upside talent that’s either already contributing at the major league level or is on the verge of breaking through. Their player development system has done an outstanding job.”
• Mariners Manager Scott Servais: “We have a great group of young players who are hungry and eager to prove themselves. The energy they bring is contagious, and we believe we have the right mix to compete in the AL West and beyond.”

Prospects for the team right now… 

• Young Talent: The Mariners’ future is heavily tied to the development of their young players like Julio Rodríguez, George Kirby, Logan Gilbert, and Jarred Kelenic. These players are seen as potential franchise cornerstones who can lead the team back to the playoffs.
• Farm System: Seattle’s farm system is consistently ranked among the top in MLB, with promising prospects at various levels. Players like Harry Ford, Emerson Hancock, and Noelvi Marte (prior to his trade to Cincinnati) have been highlighted as future stars.
• Playoff Contention: With a mix of young talent and some veteran presence, many analysts believe the Mariners are on the cusp of being a consistent playoff contender. Their competitive window is opening, and the front office has shown a willingness to make moves to improve the roster.
• Long-Term Strategy: The Mariners have adopted a strategy focused on sustainable success, building from within while strategically adding through trades and free agency.

Key Points:

i. The Mariners have struggled since June, leading to the firing of manager Scott Servais and the promotion of Dan Wilson.

ii. Seattle’s starting rotation, one of the best in MLB, remains a key strength and could carry them to the postseason.

iii. The impending return of J.P. Crawford is expected to bolster the team both defensively and offensively.

iv. A favorable upcoming schedule offers Seattle a chance to gain ground in the standings.

v. A late-season series against the Houston Astros could be decisive in determining the Mariners’ playoff fate.

Susan Guglielmo – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News