Seattle Mariners building sustainable contender

The Seattle Mariners have two goals in mind. The first is to end their two decade playoff drought, something that they have worked on over the past year or two. Their second goal is to build a sustainable contender, an organization that can not only spend to add the right pieces but will be able to build their core through their farm system.

The Mariners have accomplished part of that goal already. For the first time since Baseball America began ranking minor league systems in 1984, the Mariners have the top rated farm system in baseball.

Seattle Mariners on their way to fulfilling goals

It is easy to see why Baseball America would be bullish on the Mariners’ future. They are considered to have several impressive prospects, with Julio Rodriguez being a consensus top ten prospect in the game. Add the likes of Noelvi Marte, Emerson Hancock, and George Kirby, and the Mariners have an impressive group coming in the next year or two.

That does not include the young players already in the majors. Jarred Kelenic and Cal Raleigh may have struggled in their debuts, but both were highly regarded prospects in their own right. The same is true with Logan Gilbert and Justin Dunn, two pitchers who could be key parts of the rotation next year.

Meanwhile, ownership has started to open the checkbook. Robbie Ray was signed to be the new ace of the staff and the Mariners are looking to add another piece to the rotation. After months of trying, they added Adam Frazier to the lineup. The message is clear – the time to start winning is now.

And that is going to involve every aspect of the organization. There are few teams that can win solely based on their farm systems. Likewise, money can make a major difference, but buying a title is a difficult task. It takes a mixture of both, which the Mariners are beginning to do once again.

The Seattle Mariners are looking to build a sustainable contender. With their first ever top ranking for their farm system, they have gotten much closer.