Five Bold Mariners Predictions for the 2022 MLB season

Mariners Bold Prediction #1: Jerry calls Oakland for Montas

Oakland has been selling all offseason. Take a look at the players that were there last season, and you’ll truly remember how many have left or been dealt.

• Mark Canha
• Starling Marte
• Chris Bassitt
• Sean Manaea
• Matt Olson
• Matt Chapman
• Josh Harrison
• Andrew Chafin

That’s… well, that’s a lot of people. Unless they plan on signing Montas long-term, the move that makes the most sense is trading him when he has 1-1/2 years left on his deal in order to secure a greater return. With the Mariners sitting at 54-45 after the July 27th game against the Rangers, they make a trade for Montas during the Astros series. It’s not going to be cheap, so don’t think that the Mariners are going to swindle Oakland.

Personally, Stoudt is my favorite Mariners pitching prospect. There’s just something about the guy that makes me want to see him succeed. He’s got good heat and a legit and nasty change. He could be a solid starter if he can keep the 95-98 through 6 innings, but will need to work on his control.

Gonzalez has been jumping up prospect boards, and at just 18, he’s got a ways to go but pairs that with some impressive potential and a high ceiling.

Polcovich could actually end up being a Josh Harrison type player. Moves around, is solid on defense wherever he is at, and has enough bat to keep you wary whenever he is up. Sort of like the pesky defender in basketball that can get hot from deep occasionally. You never know when it’s going to happen, but it’s going to happen at some point.

You may have noticed I haven’t mentioned anything about where Montas would fit in the rotation. If they add him in, they would have six starters. Well, not so fast. That’s where prediction number two comes in.