Exhibiting optimism for something within the yr 2024 just isn’t essentially simple on paper. Exhibiting optimism for the Seattle Mariners—a franchise that has made the postseason only one time since 2001—is a problem that’s on par with beating Elden Ring on SL1 problem or Contra with out hitting the title display screen code. Sorry for nerding on the market for a second. However belief me, these are actually onerous video video games.
And but not that way back, there have been loads of causes to really feel giddy about this yr’s Mariners. After sweeping the defending-champion Texas Rangers at dwelling and beating the Guardians on the highway a day later, Seattle was the proud proprietor of a 10-game division lead within the American League West. Now, going into the All-Star break, that lead has dwindled all the way down to a single sport.
It’s additionally value declaring that the Mariners, with a document of 52–46, wouldn’t be in first place in every other division. Nor would they be in first if it wasn’t for a dreadful 7–19 begin by the Houston Astros. However, they are on this division. And the Astros did get off to that dreadful begin. And whereas it’d be far simpler to be pessimistic about their possibilities to make a deep run this October as a result of (factors emphatically at Baseball Reference Group Historical past web page), there are literally loads of the reason why Mariner followers ought to be optimistic about their possibilities popping out of the All-Star break.
The obvious motive is the rotation. The Seattle beginning workers has been spectacular and helped the Mariners register the second finest ERA in baseball. First-time All-Star Logan Gilbert has been the (considerably stunning) ace, however George Kirby, Luis Castillo, Bryce Miller, and Bryan Woo—when wholesome—have mixed to type a rotation pretty much as good as any within the sport. The Mariners solely have a transparent benefit over division rivals in Houston and Texas in a single space, nevertheless it’s this one, and you possibly can argue fairly simply it’s an important one.
A much less apparent motive, at the least in 2024, is Julio Rodríguez. I’ll offer you a second to unroll your eyes. There’s no denying that Rodríguez has been disappointing in 2024, however his disappointing ends in the primary half current extra alternative than disaster. The actual fact the Seattle Mariners are a first-place staff even with their finest participant struggling to hit is exceptional. It helps that he’s supplied worth on the bases and in heart subject—a place he performs in addition to anybody. However the actual trigger for optimism right here is the straightforward proven fact that Rodríguez is a considerably higher participant within the second half than the primary. The indicators of life are already there. Rodríguez goes to be high-quality. I promise.
It’s a bit more durable to trust in the remainder of the lineup outdoors of the person they name Massive Dumper and the opportunity of what baseball geeks name optimistic regression (the concept gamers who’re performing beneath their profession averages—like J. P. Crawford, Mitch Garver, and Jorge Polanco—will are likely to “right” towards these averages.) However what the Mariners do have is a farm system that may herald some reinforcements. Not a lot by way of gamers they will name up from the minors to assist the staff now, however prospects that they will commerce for guys who can.
The Mariners’ farm system is loaded. Normal supervisor Justin Hollander and President of Baseball Operations Jerry Dipoto have mentioned all the precise issues a few willingness to spend prospects and cash on the precise gamers. It’s comprehensible if some of us are skeptical about that primarily based on very current historical past. In any case, they traded Jarred Kelenic, who could be their finest hitter this yr, to Atlanta for wage aid. Nevertheless it does really feel completely different this time. The Mariners have a golden alternative. Their first division title since 2001 is definitely inside attain.
However do you wish to know the largest motive for optimism? As a result of why not, that’s why. I’m not saying it is best to put blind religion into the Seattle possession group or its entrance workplace. These of you who’ve watched my YouTube present (plug no. 1) and listened to me on the radio (plug no. 2) know that I’ve shared my frustrations with the pinnacle honchos. Typically fairly loudly.
However the crappiness of the Seattle Mariners for the overwhelming majority of my life has additionally taught me to understand the great occasions much more. The enjoyment of a Cal Raleigh dwelling run is a lot stronger than the dismay of watching a half-hearted Chone Figgins strikeout. Why not select to consider within the former? What’s the worst factor that occurs if the desires don’t come true? A coronary heart can’t break twice or one thing like that. I believe that’s a Dua Lipa tune.
Previously 9 months, I’ve misplaced my mother, my stepdad, and my canine a.okay.a my finest buddy of the final 14 years. I do know negativity at its deepest stage. As irritating as they are often, the Mariners are an excellent baseball staff—a flawed baseball staff, to make sure, however an excellent baseball staff—that may do actual injury in October. You’ll should forgive me if I select to consider good issues are going to occur. They should occur someday, proper?
