Close But No Cigar For Mariners Last Season. More Of The Same This Year?

The Seattle Mariners came agonizingly close to reaching the World Series last season, only to fall short in a heartbreaking Game 7 defeat. Leading 3-1 entering the bottom of the seventh inning, the Mariners allowed a three-run home run that swung the momentum, resulting in a final score of 4-3. Despite the 90-win campaign and a deep postseason run, the team once again missed out on championship glory, leaving fans to wonder if this year will bring the breakthrough or merely more of the same in the competitive AL West.

The AL West has proven to be a fierce battleground, producing recent American League World Series winners and delivering wire-to-wire division races last season. While the Mariners secured a playoff spot, the other contenders fell short of postseason entry. With a strong rotation and one of the deepest rosters in baseball, Seattle's championship window remains wide open, but the sting of that late collapse will require time to overcome.

Offseason moves have been modest for the Mariners, who often address needs during the season rather than in the winter. They re-signed Josh Naylor, acquired via trade last year, and brought in Brendan Donovan from the St. Louis Cardinals to fill the void left by Eugenio Suarez's return to the Cincinnati Reds. Rumors continue to link Seattle to free agents Paul Goldschmidt and Luis Arraez, signaling an effort to bolster a lineup with clear gaps.

Elite talents anchor the Mariners' core, including catcher Cal Raleigh, who finished second in AL MVP voting last season. Outfielder Julio Rodriguez, captured making a standout catch in the fourth inning against the San Diego Padres at T-Mobile Park on August 8, 2023, is poised for another step forward. However, depth chart concerns persist, particularly at catcher and center field, with Donovan providing a key addition but backups still needed across the board.

A potential solution at shortstop could come from calling up a top prospect, though uncertainty lingers. The bullpen lacks reinforcements, and injury depth for starters is a worry, despite what may be baseball's best rotation: Logan Gilbert, Luis Castillo, Bryan Woo, George Kirby, and Bryce Miller.

Bookmakers list the Mariners as the third favorite to win the World Series, reflecting continuity from last year's roster. Yet, with rivals making significant additions while Seattle has not, skepticism abounds. Odds stand at +115 to claim the AL West, but projections question reaching 89.5 wins without further moves—moves the Mariners have historically made midseason. A +215 ticket for missing the playoffs holds appeal, though the team inspires no strong bets either way.