The Seattle Mariners are gearing up for the 2024 MLB season with hopes of securing a postseason spot after barely missing out last year. Despite finishing just one game shy of the final Wild Card spot and two games back in the AL West in 2023, the Mariners and their fans are optimistic about their chances this time around, with a combination of seasoned vets and promising young talent on the pitching mound.
At the forefront of the Mariners pitching arsenal is Luis Castillo, who continues to impress with his consistency. Castillo’s All-Star performance and top-five Cy Young finish in the previous season shows his importance to the team’s success. Alongside him, George Kirby and Logan Gilbert form a dynamic duo, showcasing that with impressive stats and reliable innings pitched. The addition of Bryce Miller strengthens the rotation even more, offering a blend of youth and high-velocity pitching that places the Mariners pitching rotation among the best in the MLB. Baseball fan Cooper Lubash was asked about the Mariners pitching rotation and he said this in response “To be completely honest, I think they have the best rotation in baseball, and I’d be willing to put money on Luis Castillo to win the Cy Young this year.” Only time will tell if these thoughts will turn out to be true, but they definitely have a chance to become reality.
However, the Mariners faced challenges in assembling their roster because of ownership’s efforts to keep a strict budget. Despite trading key players like Eugenio Suárez and Jarred Kelenic to free up cap space, the team managed to make strategic moves, including Jorge Polanco and Mitch Garver, addressing areas of need at second base and designated hitter. As Cal Raleigh continues to be one of the better catchers in the league, J.P. Crawford’s power surge in the previous season highlights his importance in providing offensive firepower.
Yet, it is Julio Rodríguez who stands out as the star of the Mariners lineup. With consecutive All Star appearances and Silver Slugger Awards, Rodríguez’s stellar performance and leadership on the field make him the standout player to watch. His ability to drive in runs and keep up the No Fly Zone, really boosts his value to the team. When longtime Mariner fan Walker Finlinson was asked about Julio Rodríguez, he had this to say “Yeah, I think Julio is by far the most important guy on the team. It seems like when he’s hot, we’re hot. So as long as he can get it going this year I think we’ll be fine.”
Despite being in a very competitive division, the Mariners remain optimistic about their chances of clinching a postseason berth. With a good pitching rotation and strategic upgrades to their lineup, the team is poised to make a strong push for the playoffs. While obstacles remain, including ownership’s financial constraints and stiff competition, the Mariners are determined to overcome these hurdles.
Even though the M’s are well positioned to compete at a high level. The success of the team fully rests on the players shoulders, maybe on some more than others. The new additions need to prove themselves to the city, and those who are returning need to keep it up and improve upon their last season.
