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The Mariners have been rebuilding and saving money for this type of opportunity
The Seattle Mariners are ranked 28th in the MLB in 2021 Total Payroll. For once, being at the bottom of the standings is a good thing in this situation. General manager Jerry Dipoto has completely rebuilt the team since joining in 2015. Take a look at the Mariners payroll over the past several years:
- 2020 Payroll: 21st in MLB
- 2019 Payroll: 14th in MLB
- 2018 Payroll: 10th in MLB
- 2017 Payroll: 12th in MLB
Dipoto came in with a pretty bad situation, where the organization was in gridlock with big contracts that did not pan out from the previous general manager, Jack Zduriencik. Dipoto made smart moves to drop the salary down, build a young group of talent, and it is starting to pay off. 2020 was not the most successful season, but it was what I call a “pilot” season to test the young talent in our system.
For the most part, the young players performed and many more talents are on their way in 2021. And with any good team, a couple of key free-agent signings make a good team, into a great team. The Mariners have a low 2021 payroll after the hard work Dipoto has done, and it seems like the Mariners are turning the corner earlier than expected.
With ample room for several free-agent signings this offseason, the Mariners are prepared to make an intriguing offer to Bauer to become the Mariners’ new ace. Dipoto is confident that the team can begin competing in 2021 and with a signing like Bauer, that statement can become a reality.
Bauer has three good reasons to join Seattle: Driveline headquarters, room for a star and ego, and ample salary room to fulfill his desires. The Mariners are looking to be in business in 2021 with expected debuts from some of the top prospects including Jarred Kelenic, Logan Gilbert, and Taylor Trammell. Bauer could be the final piece of the puzzle for a Mariners postseason run.
PS: Mariners fans, send Trevor Bauer Tweets about why Seattle is such a great city.