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Aug 2, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher James Paxton (65) pitches in the second inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports
Who do you believe should round out the Seattle Mariners’ starting rotation in 2016?
The Seattle Mariners have transformed their roster this offseason. Jerry Dipoto and his staff have made more transactions than any other team in baseball. They have addressed weaknesses in the lineup, the bullpen and the starting rotation. However, with great change comes great insecurity.
It appears that the top four in the M’s starting rotation are set in stone. Felix Hernandez will once again toe the rubber on opening day for Seattle. Hisashi Iwakuma‘s free agent deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers feel apart, and he was resigned to serve as the Mariners’ number two pitcher. Wade Miley was acquired from the Boston Red Sox, and he is penciled into the three hole. Taijuan Walker established himself as a quality young arm last season, and he will be the number four pitcher in 2016.
This leaves the final spot in the Mariners’ starting rotation to be fought for in spring training. That is precisely the topic we will discuss tonight. There are three main candidates for the gig right now; James Paxton, Nate Karns and Mike Montgomery.
We will begin the slideshow with James Paxton, who made 13 starts last season for Seattle. Make sure you click through to the final slide to cast your vote for who you believe should be the M’s fifth starter in 2016.
Next: James Paxton