Add a top of the rotation arm
There are plenty of intriguing arms available in free agency. The Seattle Mariners need to come away with at least one of those starters.
Chris Flexen was the Mariners’ best starter last season, which is not a good sign for a team with postseason aspirations. He was one of three pitchers with at least three starts to have an ERA+ that was better than league average. While the Mariners do have several intriguing pitching prospects on the way, they need that top of the rotation stopper to help with that push to the postseason.
While the Mariners will have plenty of competition for the top arms in free agency, they need to land at least one of those pitchers. Even then, the rotation may need further upgrades, with a middle of the rotation arm to eat innings.
Improving the pitching staff may be the biggest key of the offseason for Seattle. The lineup has plenty of potential, and if their prospect can continue to develop, should be improved over last year. But the pitching staff is still a year or two away without adding those free agents.
The Seattle Mariners need another piece or two for their rotation. Adding a staff ace will make a major difference to their chances.