Your 2024 Mariners Rotation is…
John: Chris Flexen/Logan Gilbert/George Kirby/Emerson Hancock/Isaiah Campbell – The starting rotation will be led by Chris Flexen, who will have earned an extension after being a stud for the Mariners during 2021 and 2022. LoGi has already cemented himself as a staple in the rotation, and my view of George Kirby is that of the second coming of Cliff Lee.
Emerson Hancock’s someone who has the potential to be an absolute stud at the fourth position in the rotation, and Isaiah Campbell will be in his prime (provided he can stay healthy). The key missing ingredient is Marco Gonzales, as he’s currently under contract through 2024. I’m sure I’ll be in the minority, but I don’t believe the Mariners keep him in the rotation with Kirby and Hancock likely to make it up by 2023 at the latest.
Gonzales had an incredible 2020, but has looked like a completely different pitcher in 2021 and not a starting arm that can be relied upon for a team hoping to contend in 2024. I see him as potential trade bait, particularly if he can piece together a strong first half of 2022 or 2023
Chris: Emerson Hanock/Logan Gilbert/George Kirby/Levi Stoudt/Marco Gonzales – The only reason Marco sticks in the rotation is because of his contract. Otherwise, it would be Williamson or Dunn. It very well could be one of them, but we leave Marco there for now. Stoudt is the “other” guy who makes it, as a solid four. Hancock shows off the five-pitch repertoire and flirts with being a true ace, sitting in that 10-20 range for top pitchers in baseball. Gilbert and Kirby are both solid 2’s, giving the Mariners three pitchers in the top 40 or so in all of baseball.
Connor: Logan Gilbert/Emerson Hancock/George Kirby/Marco Gonzales/Justin Dunn – I doubt the Mariners will continue with a 6-man rotation; the top three pitchers, especially, have too much value to lose that many starts over the course of a season. Gonzales is signed to a long-term deal through 2024, and I think Seattle will honor that commitment while he (hopefully) gets back on track from his early struggles this season.
Jamey: Emerson Hancock/Logan Gilbert/George Kirby/Matt Brash/Marco Gonzales – It seems like a (hopeful) foregone conclusion that Hancock, Gilbert, and Kirby will be the 1-2-3 punch for the Mariners rotation, with the other two spots up for grabs. Personally, I have it as Matt Brash who has broken out so far this season, and veteran Marco Gonzales who will be in the twilight of his Mariners career. There truly is a ton of candidates here though. Brandon Williamson, Justin Dunn, Levi Stoudt, Connor Phillips, Juan Then, the list goes on.