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After 80 games, it seems like there's a strong chance that the Mariners will be returning to the playoffs after their incredible 2022 run. With a 5.5-game lead over the second-place Astros and a 69.2% chance to win the division as per FanGraphs, this is the best regular season shape the team has been in for quite some time.
However, it isn't all sunshine and rainbows. Despite their impressive 45-36 record, the Mariners have just a +16 run differential, five fewer than the Astros and 12th in MLB. Not only is it 12th in MLB, it's a far cry from the Phillies (+121), Dodgers (+115), Orioles (+110), Yankees (+109), and Guardians (+105).
The offseason moves to acquire Jorge Polanco and Mitch Garver seemed exciting in theory but both players have yet to live up to their expectations. Polanco finally returned to competition after a month on the injured list but has just a .582 OPS over 185 plate appearances. Garver has fared slightly better but not by much, posting a .652 OPS over 259 plate appearances.
With a diminished Julio thus far in 2024, the Mariners also lack the superstar power that can be found in Philadelphia, Los Angeles, and New York. So if they want to compete with the best of the best come October, what holes do they need to fill first and foremost?