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A few years ago, an article series like this would have seemed like a waste of time. Before 2022, comparing the Seattle Mariners to anyone other than the worst teams in baseball was a waste of time. Now? Now things are different. In part 1 of an 8 part series, I'm going to take a look at the teams that could potentially stand in the Mariners way of not only making the postseason but winning the American League.
Mariners Tale of the Tape: Chicago White Sox
Offseason Summary: The Losses
The White Sox had a very eventful offseason that saw a lot of changes to a team that many considered a World Series favorite before the 2022 season. Former MVP and leader Jose Abreu left the only MLB franchise he's known for during his 9-year career to sign with the Houston Astros. Even though his age and recent power numbers clearly show he's on the decline, this is still a massive loss for the franchise. His 133 OPS+ will fit nicely in Houston, unfortunately.
If that was the worst thing to happen to the Sox, I think they'd take it. Unfortunately, the Mike Clevinger signing and massive backfire after he was accused of domestic violence and child abuse. If Chicago didn't do their research before signing him, dumb of them. If they knew and still signed him, shame on them.
As big of a disappointment as the Clevinger saga and Abreu leaving have been, the toughest part of the offseason was their star closer Liam Hendricks announcing he was going to take some time away after finding out he was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. While he said he will return as soon as he can, there are no timetables for his return, and all baseball fans wish him the best in his fight against cancer.
While people are arguing over whether the Mariners did enough this offseason, the White Sox were clear losers. You lose your franchise icon, your closer, and sign an alleged abuser... how is this team a threat?