Seattle Mariners 2018 Season Preview

Last year, the Seattle Mariners were considered to have won the offseason, but it did not reflect in the standings. Will a relatively quiet offseason this year pay dividends?

Heading into the 2017 campaign, the Seattle Mariners were expected to contend for the American League West. General manager Jerry DiPoto made move after move, making the Mariners more athletic and rebuilding the roster in his image. Seattle’s playoff drought seemed as though it would come to an end.

Instead, the Mariners suffered through another disappointing season, ending the year at 78-84, while never really contending for a postseason berth. There were positives, as James Paxton emerged as the ace of the staff and Mike Zunino finally looked like a competent major league catcher. However, injuries and ineffectiveness ravaged the rest of the pitching staff, torpedoing the Mariners season.

This year, Seattle has been relatively quiet. Although DiPoto made his usual major trade, bringing in Dee Gordon, he has not been the whirlwind of activity that we had come to know. However, while his patience may be considered a virtue, in this case, it may have been costly. With major question marks surrounding the pitching staff, the Mariners may not have much of a chance in the coming year.

Can the Seattle Mariners finally return to the postseason? Additional moves might be needed if they hope to play meaningful games in September.