The Seattle Mariners Have Had Quite the Offseason Thus Far
It seems like the roster is in much better shape today with spring training just around the corner, and even though things were bumpy, to begin with, before major trades could even be made, the first few deals generated anxiety with fan favorites as promising young players shipped away.
2024 Marines Look Stronger Than 2023
Things took a fairly depressing turn when it became apparent that the club would not be spending much in free agency. After the fact, the Mariners sent Eugenio Suárez to the Arizona Diamondbacks to reduce payroll costs. They struck a deal with Atlanta to add Jarred Kelenic to Marco Gonzales’ and Evan White’s contracts.
Because of all that, many wondered how the club would fill the roster’s gaps while still trying to make the playoffs in 2024.
However, The Mariners have been busy bolstering their Major League roster since Christmas Eve, and they could be in a better position currently than they were last year, particularly in terms of the lineup.
Free agent designated hitter Mitch Garver, second baseman Jorge Polanco, and outfielders Mitch Haniger and Luke Raley were all acquired by the M’s in a trade. They bolstered their bullpen by adding Gregory Santos, a breakthrough reliever from the Chicago Cubs.
The fact that the Mariners have kept their starting pitchers in the lineup throughout the winter is what really sets them apart.
Due to the obvious deficiencies in the lineup, the Mariners were anticipated to trade for a young starting pitcher, most likely Bryce Miller or Bryan Woo. However, they are still Mariners with Spring Training on the horizon, along with Logan Gilbert, George Kirby, Logan Gilbert, and Luis Castillo.
Critics were certain the Mariners would give up one of their top pitchers, but they’re all still here: Miller, Woo, George, Logan, Castillo, and they’ve picked up Polanco for good measure.
What’s the Catch?
As far as rosters go, the Mariners have improved. However, a caveat must be included.
Injuries are a worry for three of the four major additions made by the Mariners: Polanco, Garver, and Haniger.
Haniger dealt with an oblique problem during spring training and a lower back condition in 2023. Then there’s Polanco, who’s injured his hamstring. When you have injuries like this, you wonder whether they will be a recurring problem.
Mariners 2024 World Series Odds
The Mariners have a top-tier starting rotation in Major League Baseball. Their offseason endeavors have boosted optimism, especially among bookies, who have positioned them as one of the top 10 teams anticipated to win the World Series.
Of course, they have a stiff task in the Astros, but never say never. But with +2000 odds, you can’t hate that price, especially if a BetMGM bonus code is involved.
The top-10 current odds for the MLB World Series 2024 are as follows:
● LA Dodgers @ +350
● Atlanta Braves @ +650
● New York Yankees @ +900
● Philadelphia Phillies @ +1000
● Texas Rangers @ +1100
● Toronto Blue Jays @ +1200
● Baltimore Orioles @ +1400
● Seattle Mariners @ +2000
● Tampa Bay Rays @ +2000
It Isn’t Just the Players’
The high number of unsuccessful attempts and the inability to score when there are runners in scoring positions contribute to the game’s controllable aspects, as does the composition of the team’s roster.
However, the Mariners have also made a coaching change, indicating that the responsibility does not only lie with the players. Seattle has just hired three external coaches, which marks a departure from their previous approach of mostly promoting individuals from inside the organization. Given the youth and growth of the club, it was logical for these coaches to communicate using the same organizational terminology as they had been with many of these players throughout their progression in the lower leagues. Both the looks and message exhibited continuity.
The current state of the Mariners at the major league level allows the coaching roles to be used distinctly. With the addition of Brant Brown as the new bench coach and offensive coordinator, who formerly coached for the Dodgers and Marlins, McKay believes he has found a coach who can effectively cultivate a mindset focused on scoring runs within the present team.
