The last time the Seattle Mariners made it to the playoffs was in 2001, when they lost in the ALCS to the Yankees 4-1.
In the 2020 shortened season, the Mariners finished with a record of 27-33, missing out on the playoff once again.
Mariners fans have been waiting for the time that their team will make it back to the playoffs. With years and years of disappointment continuing, it feels like fans have lost faith. One reason fans are struggling to stay hopeful is not having Ichiro Suzuki, King Felix Hernández and others.
But it’s a new era for Seattle as they’ve been putting a strong focus on their farm system with certain young prospects taking the spotlight. With a good farm system, we could potentially see some of these young guns make it to the big leagues. Some of the Hottest prospects in the Mariners system are George Kirby, Noevli Marte, Logan Gilbert, Jarred Kelenic, Julio Rodriguez and Brandon Williamson.
Mariners fans might have the chance to see the likes of these players get their chance in the majors and help Seattle improve their chances of making the playoffs. Mariners also have been active in the offseason free-agent market signing a couple of players including former Astros closer Ken Giles which will help their bullpen.
They also signed James Paxton back who played for the Mariners from 2013-2018 before going to the Yankees for two years. The Mariners pitching will be the key to look out for as these acquisitions will help the bullpen in order to get those extra wins that are needed to make the playoffs.
Dylan Moore, Kyle Seager, Evan White and Mitch Haniger are some players that have stood out for the struggling Mariners. Fans are hoping that those four will be able to produce more to help out both the offense and defense.
It will be a difficult season for the Mariners, but hope is there for an end to the 21-year-old playoff drought if they play well and grind out wins.
Hopefully on Opening day when the Mariners take on the San Francisco Giants, we can see the Mariners start strong and bring their spirits up to push through a hard campaign and hopefully have that season that the fans have long been dreaming of.
SEASON OUTLOOK
Projection: 83-79
The Mariners have a 33.7% chance of making the playoffs per teamrankings.com and they predict that the Mariners will finish 81-81.
Northwest Sports Desk 