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?

Offseason Summary: The White Sox Additions

It was a terrible offseason no doubt, but that doesn't mean good things didn't happen. Losing Abreu's production stings, but the Sox were able to go out and sign Andrew Benintendi away from the Yankees. Benintendi is relatively young for free agency, had championship experience in Boston, and then put together some really good seasons in Kansas City before being traded at last year's deadline.

As a gold glover caliber outfielder, and a top-of-the-lineup consistent bat, Benintendi should be an upgrade over the course of a full season compared to Chicago's former left fielder, A.J. Pollock, who's now a Mariners platoon player. Benintendi's 5YR/$75M deal was the largest in White Sox franchise history, and fans are hoping this is the start of ownership finally opening their pockets…sound familiar?

While Benintendi should help on both offense and defense, the biggest addition of the offseason may have actually been a subtraction, with the retirement (again) of manager Tony La Russa. Let me start by saying La Russa is one of the most successful managers of all time. The wins, the championships, and the consistency were always there. He retired at what seemed like the perfect time, going out with a championship in 2011. It can be hard to stay away, though.

His return to the White Sox was stunning and a complete culture clash with what the Sox had built heading into 2021. While they won a weak AL Central, they were clearly outmatched by the Astros in the ALDS. The 2022 season that was supposed to be special ended in one of the more disappointing 81-81 finishes you'll ever see. Injuries, chemistry, and culture were a major problem, but so was sleepy La Russa. The game had clearly passed him by and everyone knew it. Just ask Southside Showdown.

Health concerns forced La Russa to walk away for the final 34 games, and the Sox went 18-16 without him. With Pedro Grifol hired to replace him as manager, you have to think there will be a big sigh of relief in that clubhouse and a chance at a fresh start.

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