Combating a Popular Seattle Mariners Myth: They Can Rebuild

SEATTLE, WA - JUNE 3: Reliever Edwin Diaz #39 of the Seattle Mariners reacts after the final out of a game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Safeco Field on June 3, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. The Mariners won 2-1. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - JUNE 3: Reliever Edwin Diaz #39 of the Seattle Mariners reacts after the final out of a game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Safeco Field on June 3, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. The Mariners won 2-1. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images)

Recently, we have focused on several ways the Mariners can attack this off-season. Today, we combat a popular myth about the Mariners ability to rebuild.

Let’s start right at the top: No, I don’t believe the Mariners are going to start their rebuild. In terms of likelihood, I would say it is less likely than the “crazy fan theory” we laid out here. However, it is still important to understand exactly what a rebuild is.

While I believe most fans understand what I am about to explain, I still see enough responses on social media that make it clear that some explanation is necessary. So, let’s start with the basics.

In a true rebuild, winning at the Major League level is not the primary goal of the entire organization. In fact, many people like to say that the last thing you see in a true rebuild is winning. Recent examples of true rebuilds include the Houston Astros, who suffered 4 consecutive 100 loss seasons and the Chicago White Sox.

Also, in a true rebuild, there is no such thing as “untouchable”. Everybody in your organization can be had for help 3-5 years down the line. It is extremely difficult to “shortcut a rebuild”. It is a long process and takes just as much discipline in the front office as it does to maintain a contender.

Now, about that myth. You have likely heard this, and may even believe it. That myth is: “the Mariners don’t have any players that other teams want, they can’t do a rebuild”. Wrong.

In fact, the Mariners have an insane amount of players other teams want. For starters, let’s look at Edwin Diaz. Have you seen what elite relievers go for? Now imagine what they could get for a 23-year-old elite reliever.

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In addition to Diaz, James Paxton would certainly net the Mariners a top 100 prospect or two. Mike Leake will certainly get a better return than what Dipoto gave up for him, thanks to the Cardinals eating 40% of his salary.

Mitch Haniger is currently posting a 6 win season and is under club control for 4 more seasons. Marco Gonzales has 5 years of control and has pitched like a number 3 starter. Dee Gordon is a versatile, base stealing threat. Jean Segura is a legit above-average hitter and SS with 4 years of club control.

Alex Colome is a legit, upper level, high leverage reliever. He has value. What it appears these Mariners fans really mean, is the team “doesn’t have any players that I want to trade in a rebuild.” The simple truth is, the Mariners are in a great position to start a rebuild. Any statement to the contrary is coming from an uninformed source or a misleading one.

Don’t let anybody fool you. If Seattle wants to blow things up, they can do it to great effect.

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