Seattle Mariners Optimistic About Improved Roster, Aim to Close Gap with Houston in the AL West

The Seattle Mariners are confident that their offseason additions will help them close the gap on the Houston Astros in the AL West. Jerry Dipoto, the president of baseball operations for the Mariners, believes that the team is a deeper and more complete team than they were last year when they made a wild-card berth and won their playoff series against Toronto. The buzz and excitement surrounding the Mariners have been missing in the Pacific Northwest for nearly two decades, but last season’s success has reinvigorated the baseball community in the region.

Closing Ground on World Series Champions

Despite the team’s optimism, the question remains whether the Mariners did enough this offseason to challenge the Astros. Houston won the AL West by 16 games and swept the Mariners in the Division Series, highlighting the need for Seattle to improve. Seattle’s starting pitching and everyday players, including AL Rookie of the Year Julio Rodríguez, Ty France, J.P. Crawford, and others, will continue to be the team’s foundation.

The Mariners added second baseman Kolten Wong, outfielders Teoscar Hernández and AJ Pollock, and infielder Tommy La Stella to the roster, giving the team a deeper and more versatile lineup. However, these additions may not be impactful enough to make up the difference between Seattle and Houston. Seattle manager Scott Servais acknowledged that the team struggled with consistency on offense last year and is hoping that the added experience and players will help the team get off to a better start.

WBC Impacts Seattle’s Spring Training

The Mariners are expected to lose several players to the World Baseball Classic during spring training, including Rodríguez, Hernández, and reliever Diego Castillo who will play for the Dominican Republic, third baseman Eugenio Suárez with Venezuela, reliever Matt Festa with Italy, reliever Matt Brash with Canada, and top prospect Harry Ford with Great Britain. Starting pitcher Luis Castillo was expected to be part of the Dominican Republic team, but he has opted not to participate in the event. The Mariners are wary of the WBC after losing pitcher Drew Smyly to Tommy John surgery after pitching in the tournament in 2017. Felix Hernandez also had two lengthy stints on the injured list due to shoulder troubles after pitching in the same tournament.

Healthy Roster for Spring Training

The Mariners expect to have a mostly healthy roster when spring training begins. Catcher Cal Raleigh has fully recovered from his offseason thumb surgery, Sam Haggerty has started full baseball activity after surgery to repair a groin injury, and Andrés Muñoz is expected to pitch during spring training after his foot surgery. Former first-round draft pick Evan White is also fully healthy after dealing with injuries for the past two seasons.

Final Say

The Seattle Mariners have a lot to prove this season as they look to close the gap on the Houston Astros in the AL West. The team’s offseason additions and returning starters should give them a deeper and more versatile lineup. The World Baseball Classic may impact the team’s spring training, but the Mariners expect to have a mostly healthy roster when the season begins. With the buzz and excitement surrounding the team, the Mariners are hoping to capitalize on last season’s success and make a deep playoff run.

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