5 MLB Teams Who Missed the Playoffs in 2015 and Could Play in October in 2016
3. Seattle Mariners
Seattle is another team that will be motivated by its 2015 shortcomings. New general manager Jerry DiPoto surely did everything in his power to make sure they don’t fall short again in 2016. He went on a trading rampage early in the offseason and drastically changed the team’s roster.
Major additions:
- OF Leonys Martin
- RP Joaquin Benoit
- SP Nathan Karns
- RP Steve Cishek
- 1B Adam Lind
- SP Wade Miley
None of those players are huge names, but all of them will provide more depth to a roster deprived of that last season. Benoit and Cishek make the bullpen instantly better and Karns will provide a big boost to the rotation. Additionally, Karns is coming off his rookie season, so he figures to contribute for years to come.
Martin will play nicely at the top of the order and Lind will provide some pop to the middle of the lineup. The Rangers and Astros are still very much the teams to beat in the AL West, but the Mariners could surprise some people.
Based on their more well-constructed roster, expect them to compete for an American League wild card spot at the very least. Who knows, maybe they even make a run at the division.
Next: 2. Boston Red Sox