The Seattle Mariners can be great, but need to go all in for 2022

From an offensive standpoint, Jose Ramirez is the best 3rd baseman in the American League. He has all the tools, plus a great glove, speed and flexibility to play 2nd base. Seattle can slot him into the #2 or #3 hole and watch the offense grow under his leadership for the next two years. With a bargain of a contract at only 12 million this year and 14 million next year, Seattle doesn’t have to stop with just Ramirez offensively.

With the money being saved from a deal like this, there is no excuse for the Mariners to not continue to go all in, signing either Kris Bryant or Trevor Story, as well as Japanese star OF Seiya Suzuki. Take a look at the projected lineup.

1. J.P Crawford – SS
2. Ty France – 1B
3. Jose Ramirez – 3B/2B
4. Bryant/Story – 3B/2B
5. Mitch Haniger – DH
6. Jared Kelenic – OF
7. Seiya Suzuki – OF
8. Julio Rodriguez – OF
9. Cal Raliegh – C

That is a lineup that is young, athletic, and powerful. The bench may be one of the best in baseball, now with Adam Frazier and Abraham Toro providing incredible flexibility. This is an offense that can get to October… and win in October.

While the trade for Ramirez and subsequent additions offensively are fantastic, it’s the pitching that I think puts this team over the top. With the deal done, the Mariners would have arguably the two most dominant pitchers in the American League and maybe all of baseball. A 1-2 punch of Robbie Ray and Shane Bieber will suffocate opposing teams’ offenses.