Seattle Mariners: Four Moves to Make the Playoffs

Since signing Robinson Cano, the Seattle Mariners have been pushing for a postseason berth. In what would be their first since 2001, a trip to the postseason in 2017 may very well be likely.

The Seattle Mariners have been trying to make themselves credible since 2014 when they signed All-Star second baseman Robinson Cano. At the time, everyone seemingly mocked Cano as he cashed out to join a struggling ball club. Now, two years later, the Mariners had a realistic shot of making the playoffs, being only three games out of the AL Wild Card. Now, with an offseason that has already including bringing in the likes of Jean Segura and Carlos Ruiz, the Mariners look posed to make another run at the postseason.

With superstars Robinson Cano, Kyle Seager, and Felix Hernandez, the Mariners definitely have cornerstone pieces to build around. They now have solid contributors in Jean Segura and Nelson Cruz, and a decent pitching staff. Yes, there are areas in need of improvement, but having a solid core like Seattle has is the key to success. If they can properly craft a squad that not only improves their team, but complements their superstars, success will certainly come their way. Some of these moves may be trades, signings, or upcoming home-grown talent. If the Mariners can find that perfect mix that others have, they will reap the benefits.

Therefore, it can be argued that with the right moves, big and small, the Mariners can reach the postseason in 2017. With electric bats and a “king” in the rotation, the Mariners could right the ship and bring the city of Seattle some baseball success. So with all of this being laid out on the table, let’s look at four moves to help the Mariners reach the playoffs in 2017.

4. Platoon Danny Valencia and Dan Vogelbach

Heading into 2017, the Seattle Mariners have a completely fresh outlook on the first base position. Danny Valencia is a veteran who was acquired via trade from the Oakland Athletics. Vogelbach is a very young talent, 23, who was acquired when the Mariners dealt Mike Montgomery to the Cubs in July. Vogelbach is touted as one of the top first base prospects in baseball, and is known for his immense power.

Now, the Mariners should avoid jumping to conclusions and making either an everyday starter. They both make compelling cases to start, which is why a platoon would be perfect. Seattle could utilize Valencia at his best, against left-handed pitching, and use the power of Vogelbach against right-handers. Valencia has slashed .321/.373/.500 in his career against left-handed pitching. Vogelbach provides power from the left side of the plate, so against RHP he should thrive.

Outside of the numbers, creating a platoon just seems obvious. Valencia would thrive from not playing every day at first base, especially when his natural position is third. Instead of throwing Vogelbach into the deep end, the Mariners would slowly be preparing him to take over first base. Both men can produce for the ball club and if they only build on each other’s talents then we may see the Mariners have some of the best numbers at the first base position. First base seems like an odd position to platoon, but if done correctly it can be very productive.

3. Call up Tyler O’Neill

Tyler O’Neill is the Mariners’ second-ranked prospect and 60th-ranked prospect in all of baseball according to MLB Pipeline. The outfielder, who was drafted in the third round of the 2013 draft, has put up good numbers and may see himself in Seattle this season. Now, I am not saying he should start the season at the MLB level. Despite his readiness, the Mariners should start O’Neill in AAA, only to call him up down the stretch.

O’Neill’s transition to AA ball last year was very promising for the Seattle Mariners. O’Neill produced a .293/.374/.508 slash line with 24 home runs, 102 runs batted in, all in 130 games. These numbers are fantastic for a guy that many thought wasn’t ready for the transition to AA. At 21 years old, O’Neill is very young, and it has been noted that the Mariners may want to take their time developing him. However, if they find themselves in the midst of a run for the postseason, O’Neill may be that last catalyst to ignite a fire beneath them.

The thing about the Mariners outfield is that it’s not very good. There isn’t anyone in particular blocking him at the big league level, and while Seattle may sign an outfielder (hold on to that) there would still be room for another bat. Outside of Leonys Martin, who is a decent fielder, the Mariners also don’t have good defense in the outfield. O’Neill provides above average fielding and arm power, and that young bat that could jolt the lineup. While he may not be in Seattle in April, expect to see him as summer closes and fall opens.

2. Acquire a Solid Arm Behind Felix Hernandez

Despite having arguably the worst year in his professional career, Felix Hernandez is still an elite pitcher. King Felix is still only 30 years old, and with natural-born talent of his caliber he can always produce. It seems to be that critics are doubting Hernandez’s ability to craft a great 2017. However, with the postseason seeming like a more realistic chance than ever, Felix Hernandez will rise to the occasion. To help aid him in pushing the Mariners to October, they must acquire a solid arm behind him.

Hisashi Iwakuma and James Paxton both put together decent numbers in 2016. Iwakuma held a 16-12 record with a 4.12 ERA in 199 innings. Paxton posted a losing record, 6-7, with a 3.79 ERA in 121 innings. While they aren’t spectacular, if need be the Mariners could glide by with either man complementing Hernandez atop the rotation. However, with a few viable options and some trade chips, the Mariners must attempt to secure a better arm behind Hernandez. Three names instantly come to mind: Sonny Gray, Jose Quintana, and Tyson Ross.

The first two guys would obviously need to be acquired via trade. Gray may be the easier of the pair to secure; coming off a down year, Oakland’s asking price will be a tad lower than it was previously. Also, the White Sox are notorious for asking for a lot of young talent in return for their business, and the Mariners just don’t have enough. Gray, however, could likely be acquired by dealing Kyle Lewis, Luiz Gohara, and D.J. Peterson. With O’Neill being closer to the big leagues, and Vogelbach being ahead of Peterson, the Mariners could afford to dish out the pair of bats. Gohara’s hole would be filled by obtaining Gray.

As for Ross, the 6-foot-6 right-hander has shown massive potential at the big league level. With multiple teams looking for Ross’ service, the Mariners would have to match or exceed any contract offered his way. However, we saw with Robinson Cano that the Mariners aren’t afraid to spend money.