Mariners fans' frustrations reinforced by Forbes' MLB franchise valuations

When it comes to the Seattle Mariners, one of the ongoing complaints by fans is that ownership does not put enough money back into the team to improve the product on the field. Never was this more evident than during this past offseason, when there was a need to bring in one or more quality infield bats but the front office didn't make any offers for the likes of Pete Alonso or Alex Bregman.

The sentiment about a lack of money being invested in the team extended to players, with former Mariner Justin Turner being particularly vocal about this. Turner spoke candidly about the situation earlier in March, calling it "absurd" that they wouldn't spend more on offense, especially when the roster has such an elite rotation.

It doesn't help placate the fan base when Forbes lists the Mariners as the organization with the fifth-highest operating income in the Majors, at $43 million. This is part of the publication's annual MLB franchise valuations, which will only reinforce the frustration of fans.

Valuation of Mariners franchise all about perspective

In a general sense, the Mariners don't look too badly off as the 13th-most valuable MLB franchise at $2.2 billion. However, where the optics don't look as good is that they are one of only five organizations which didn't see an increase in their valuation from last year.

Now yes, at least it wasn't as bad as the Chicago White Sox, who were the only MLB franchise to see a decrease in their valuation from last year. (Down two percent to $2 billion.) However, it just doesn't look great in Seattle, especially for an ownership group which — fairly or not — gets a lot of criticism.

This criticism isn't limited to the fan base or players either, with former Cincinnati Reds general manager Jim Bowden recently appearing on 93.3 KJR on the Softy and Dick show and ripping into the Mariners. He didn't hold back, as he said: "It’s disgusting, gross, embarrassing and makes you want to go to the toilet and throw up."

Is a positive change in the air in Seattle?

Having said all this, we do at least wonder if the tides of change are coming, helped by the recent ROOT Sports streaming deal. It was previously reported the uncertainty surrounding ROOT Sports was impacting the financial position of the franchise, so it is to be hoped the new streaming deal will help provide some more clarity.

We appreciate that plenty of fans will still be sceptical, but it is worth noting Cal Raleigh's six-year, $105 million contract extension from earlier this week. It at least alludes to a renewed effort to invest in the team and will hopefully open the door to other long-term contract extensions with key personnel, with Logan Gilbert as a prime example.

Overall, Mariners fans have every right to still be frustrated by what is perceived by some as a lack of financial commitment to winning by ownership. However, with one of the most important seasons in franchise history now underway, John Stanton, Chris Larson and company have the ideal opportunity to prove themselves to the fan base, particularly if the team is in contention as the July 31 trade deadline approaches, but still needs another quality bat.

Besides, if making money is the most important thing to Mariners ownership, sometimes you do have to speculate to accumulate, especially when you already have a rotation, catcher and outfield which can all make a claim of being the best in the Majors. Make winning the name of the game, and you will in turn see profits and the value of the franchise increase exponentially.

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