Seattle Mariners 2018 Season Preview

Seattle Mariners additions and subtractions

Key additions: Dee Gordon, Ryon Healy, Juan Nicasio, Ichiro Suzuki, Mike Leake

Newcomer to watch: Dee Gordon. Not only did the Seattle Mariners pick up a viable leadoff hitter, but they are also hoping that they added a center fielder for years to come.

After a year marred by a PED suspension, Gordon was back to his usual ways in 2017. He again led the National League in stolen bases, swiping 60 bags for the second time in his career. In addition, he posted a solid .308/.341/.375 batting line, providing the type of offense that the Mariners would need atop their lineup.

However, this acquisition does have some potential downside. Due to the presence of Robinson Cano, Gordon is being asked to move to center, a position he has never played as a professional. While he has fared well there thus far in Spring Training, it is still early in his transition to the outfield. Once the games matter, will he be what the Mariners hope for?

Biggest losses: Yonder Alonso, Yovani Gallardo, Emilio Pagan

Biggest loss: Yonder Alonso. Acquired as part of a failed push for the postseason, Alonso was not quite the same player he was in Oakland after the trade.

He was still solid, posting a respectable .265/.353/.439 batting line with six homers, outproducing regular first baseman Danny Valencia. However, he was not quite the game changer that Seattle hoped for, as his power numbers fell off. Chances are, it would not have mattered in the hunt for the postseason had he hit for more power, as he was still a solid, professional bat.

To replace him, the Seattle Mariners brought in Ryon Healy, while hoping that Dan Vogelbach can be a viable option at the major league level. However, Healy is already injured, and took a step back last year in Oakland. Although Healy and Vogelbach both have potential, the Mariners hopes of the postseason would be stronger with Alonso in the lineup.