2023 Tale of the Tape Breakdown: Playoff Contenders, Mariners vs White Sox 

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?

Why the White Sox are a threat to the Mariners

I get that I have not proposed the most convincing argument for the team from the South Side to be a threat to the Seattle Mariners, but I do believe they are a team to keep an eye on. 

This team has seen some changes, but don't forget a good chunk of their core remains from a 2021 team that won 93 games and a division title. Their pitching rotation screams for a bounceback. They have Dylan Cease, the runner-up to the Cy Young award, leading their rotation, but if they can get guys like Lucas Giolito and Lance Lynn back on track, this is a strong rotation.

Their offense struggled through injuries last season as well as disappointing seasons. If really good players such as Yasmani Grandal, Yoan Moncada, Luos Robert, and Tim Anderson can get healthy and back to their 2021 numbers, this team is probably co-favorites with Cleveland for the AL Central. Health, a few bouncebacks, and a positive culture change could be all they need to return to their competitive window. 

So... The White Sox or the Mariners?

On paper, the White Sox actually match up decently to give the Mariners some fits. Their rotation and offense have legitimate stars that could cause problems. Their division has two terrible teams in Kansas City and Detroit that could really boost their record, and ever since the 2000 ALDS, the White Sox have been a thorn in their sides.

That being said, I strongly believe that while the offense may be a push, the rotation of the Mariners has a much higher ceiling, and as long as Hendricks is out, the bullpen will be a massive advantage for Seattle.  Cease is really good, but I strongly believe that both Luis Castillo and George Kirby can have better seasons than him in 2023.

There's a path where Chicago enjoys their newfound freedom away from La Russa, and makes a push for a playoff spot that could threaten Seattle. If these two were to meet in a playoff series, the Mariners would be heavy favorites.

Tale of the Tape Winner: Seattle Mariners