The Seattle Mariners got so close to doing a second straight playoff run, and outdoing the odds. I also think that, even if the 2024 team is gonna look a ton different, this team had a lot going for it, with Eugenio Suarez, Teoscar Hernandez, Jarred Kelenic and Paul Sewald all playing important roles in the rise from middle of the pack to chasing the big guns. Unfortunately, none of those 4 guys will be around next year, with two of them even going to the same damned team, and the Ms will have to rely on a sturdy rotation plan and a different, less K-heavy lineup.
The smart thing that Seattle did going into 2023 was signing Dylan Moore for 3 more years. I don't think the intention is for him to start, but, similar to how the Dodgers have used Chris Taylor, to stay there as a utility guy who can go in for those extra situations. Moore did his usual thing this year, he only hit .207 in 67 games, but was way more consistent defensively than Kolten Wong. Once Jose Caballero became the main guy at 2nd, Moore returned to his status as backup.
2024 Prediction: I hope this isn't too mean, but...has a better hitting year than Cabby.
A year after tanking his chance to start consistently, Matt Brash found a new home in the bullpen, and instantly became the Mariners' most reliable relief piece. In 71 innings he went 9-4 with 107 Ks and a 3.06 ERA. Brash ended the season regarded as one of the best relievers in baseball, which is a great turnaround from last year.
2024 Prediction: For once I'm gonna say he doesn't graduate to closer. Their current ninth inning option holds and Brash stays a solid setup guy, though maybe not as overwhelmingly as this year.
After Bryce Miller's excellent rookie start, and immediate injuries for Easton McGee and Emerson Hancock, the next rookie up to take Robbie Ray's empty rotation space was Bryan Woo. The 23-year old impressed in 18 MLB starts, with a 4.21 ERA and 93 Ks. Woo, Miller, Gilbert and Kirby have made a really impressive young battalion, and behind Castillo and potentially the returning Ray next year, they'll hope to terrorize more AL West batters.
2024 Prediction: Woo is in danger of being demoted upon Ray or somebody coming back, so he needs to have a great spring, and a solid first month in the majors, in order to instill confidence in his team. With everything the top 4 have shown, it will be an uphill battle for him.
After the baffling move the Mariners made of trading their excellent closer Paul Sewald to a competitor that would lead him to a World Series, two immediate ramifications were put into place. Firstly, with the ninth open, the role went to former Padres prospect Andres Muñoz, who had been a strong relief option himself. Muñoz took to the ninth easily, and finished with a 2.54 ERA and 13 saves in 16 opportunities. I did not think the Mariners would find a successor to Sewald so easily, yet here we are.
2024 Prediction: 30 saves and he keeps the job.
And the other part of the deal was that one of the returns, now-neglected D-Backs 3rd baseman Josh Rojas, started hitting really well in Seattle. He only had 46 games, but he hit .272 with 34 hits and 14 RBIs. In a year where Suarez was too one-dimensional and Cabby wasn't good enough at the plate, Rojas was an ideal bench infield guy for...a playoff run that did not occur.
2024 Prediction: Someone in this equation is going to get injured, and Rojas will get the chance to prove himself as a starter again. I think he'll do alright for himself.
Coming Tomorrow- A surprising amount of leftovers from a playoff Marlins squad.
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