Mariners should be thrilled with division rival throwing in towel at Winter Meetings

The 2024 season looked to finally be the breakthrough that the Seattle Mariners have been looking forward to for some time. The pitching had absolutely dominated. The offense, while looking putrid, still flashed potential, and we all knew that a regression to the mean would make this a potential World Series team (though we never really saw this). An early run of dominance from a young and hungry Mariners squad filled with a few veterans looking to prove that they still had some juice left gave the Mariners a 10-game lead less than halfway through the season.

It seemed like the team had finally overcome the giant force that was the Houston Astros, who have dominated the AL West for the last seven or so years. Unexpectedly, it all came crashing down over the course of the next few months as the Astros pitching went on a solid run while the daunting Houston offense reminded everyone why they're a perennial World Series contender.

Luckily for the Mariners, things might be changing. After dominating the AL West for the better part of a decade, the Astros finally failed to make it to the American League Championship Series, potentially signaling the end of a dynasty.

With the winter meetings kicking off the true beginning of the chaos for the offseason, it looks as though the Astros are considering a step back from their perch atop the AL West.

Mariners Rumors: Astros willing to trade Kyle Tucker, Framber Valdez

In true Winter Meeting fashions, rumors surfaced that the Astros would consider trading star right fielder Kyle Tucker. Now, Tucker, one of the best outfielders in the game, is going to demand a crazy haul and should ignite a rebuild or "retooling" as some like to call a short turnaround. Every team would seemingly be interested in the left-handed slugger, but teams like the Yankees, Cubs, Giants and Phillies all seem like they can prepare the proper trade packages.

If that weren't enough to signal the symbolic white flag for this era of Astros baseball, they also reportedly made lefty Framber Valdez available amidst the crazy price for solid pitching right now. With Valdez set to become a free agent after the 2025 season, if the Astros are looking to retool for future years, this seems like a smart move to make.

Match all of that up with the fact that Houston is likely to lose a franchise icon in Alex Bregman, and this is looking like the end of a dynasty for one of the best runs we have seen this century. The time is now for Seattle to strike, and fans just hope ownership agrees with that sentiment.