3 major implications the James Paxton signing has on the Mariners rotation

SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 29: Starter James Paxton #65 of the Seattle Mariners delivers a pitch (Sodo Mojo All-Star). (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 29: Starter James Paxton #65 of the Seattle Mariners delivers a pitch (Sodo Mojo All-Star). (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images) /
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Logan Gilbert of the Seattle Mariners looks on.
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JULY 18: Logan Gilbert of the Seattle Mariners watches an intrasquad game. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

Every starter will be on a shorter leash

As I just mentioned, Jerry Dipoto said recently in a Q&A session with the media and fans that of the group of top prospects that the Mariners have, Logan Gilbert is the most MLB-ready. Yes, that means Jerry believes he is more MLB-ready than Jarred Kelenic. Because of this Logan Gilbert is a lock to be up in the Majors this season.

If there is an injury early on in the season and someone has to miss a start or two, one of the odd men out from the group of Dunn, Margevicius, and Newsome will be called up. But as we get deeper into the season if there are injuries Gilbert will be called up.

Next. What will Paxton bring to the Mariners in 2021?. dark

If there are no injuries and it is clear that Gilbert needs to be in the MLB rotation, that will mean that every single pitcher will be on a short leash with the exception of Gonzales. If Sheffield, Kikuchi, Flexen, and yes even Paxton have some poor performances then they could be taken out of the rotation in favor of Gilbert or the two pitchers who won’t start the year in the rotation from the aforementioned group of Dunn, Margevicius, and Newsome.