The Seattle Mariners are looking at a prime opportunity to make the postseason, but are they possibly letting it slip through their fingers?
The Seattle Mariners are attempting to hold off the Oakland Athletics which they lead by one game for the final Wild Card spot. Just a short few weeks ago, the Mariners lead the A’s by as much as eight games in the standings. With strong play from the A’s as well as minor scuffling from the M’s the race has gotten way tighter.
Since that point, the A’s have played very well winning 8 of their previous 9 games. They have been surging with a very young and unknown roster. Their starting rotation includes names such as Manaea, Graveman, and Cahill which aren’t recognizable names for a possible playoff team. Not to mention, those starters have lead the pitching staff throughout the year. But familiar names such as slugger Kris Davis, Stephen Piscotty, and Jed Lowrie have played their part to carry the club. Billy Beane‘s plan to build a team that can win without paying them a premium seemed to work once again.
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Though the Mariners who currently sit at 20 games above .500 at 61-41, they have put together an impressive 102 games. In comparison, their record is better than every team in the National League. With their once comfortable lead suddenly vanish, they must address their needs at the deadline.
With the A’s already making a valuable trade, they must either add an arm or a bat to their roster. Their starting pitching has been consistent but it is still very young. Adding a veteran starting that can give you playoff experience could be very helpful. Also, the Mariners lineup has seemingly struggled since Robinson Cano was suspended. Players like Mike Moustakas or Adam Jones could be a fit and are considered widely available.
With 2018 being the best chance for the Seattle Mariners to make the playoffs in an eternity, you should expect the front office to act desperate at the deadline and pull the trigger on a trade.