3 reasons the Mariners offseason changes will lead the team to the playoffs

We've made it to February, and Spring Training is almost here. It's got me thinking about the upcoming season, and trying to get a grasp on all the changes that have happened to the Mariners over the offseason. There have been a lot of them, and although the rotation looks the exact same, the bullpen and the starting lineup are going to be vastly different.

The bullpen worries me a bit, as it does seem like there is a strong feeling by fans that "they'll figure it out and find a diamond in the rough, they always do". It's a fair way to feel after seeing some of the success that the team has had with the likes of Topa, Swanson, Speier, and Steckenrider. They pick up guys that have seen limited success other places, insert them in, and they do well. Maybe they'll do it again in 2024.

It helps having Munoz+Brash at the head of the pen, as it's not much pressure on the rest of the guys. It also got me thinking about expectations for 2024, and the possibilities that could happen with the current Mariners team.

Are they better than last year? Are they better than they were in 2022? I think they are, and that they have a good chance to finish with not just a better record than they have over the last few seasons, but to make the playoffs and push for the AL West Title. Let's check out some of the reasons why.

Reason #1 the Mariners will make the Playoffs: Veteran Leadership

After seeing Teoscar Hernandez and Eugenio Suarez, not to mention Paul Sewald, all leave the team last season, the Mariners need an influx of leadership. They had JP Crawford still, but the team was missing that older player who has been there before or has the ability to lead a clubhouse.

Enter the Mitches. Mitch Haniger is back with the Mariners, and he instantly takes the mantle of team leader back. He was such an instrumental part of this team in 2022 that getting his leadership and clubhouse persona back on the team should play a huge part in how this team performs in 2024. Even if he ends up injured again, I think the role he can take in the clubhouse will positively impact the team without him being on the field.

It's not just Haniger, though. Mitch Garver is going to play a big part here as well. You're taking about an impactful player who just left a division rival that won the World Series. He's a vet with postseason experience, and it should help the rest of the team know what to expect if and when they make the playoffs again. Oh... he can rake too, which helps.

Lastly, it's the newest addition in Jorge Polanco. He's a 10-year veteran who has been in the playoffs in four different seasons. While his team hasn't always seen success, just having that presence on the team will help to calm the young or inexperienced players.

Reason #2 the Mariners will make the Playoffs: The Lineup is Deep

The Mariners didn't end up getting a massive bat added to their lineup this offseason. No Bellinger, Chapman, Soler, or Jung Hoo Lee. However, they went out and added a ton of pieces, all of which have seen success in the past.

It has to be brought up, whenever you talk about it, that it's a risky set of additions. Injury history, short success windows, potential backside of career, higher expectations on a player than they've seen in the past... they are all worthy concerns.

However, it's tough to argue that this team isn't better than last year. Mitch Haniger, Dominic Canzone, and Luke Raley now patrol the corner outfield spots in replacement of Jarred Kelenic and Teoscar Hernandez. Those two only combined for a 4.1 WAR last year. Those aren't the biggest shoes to fill, and even if they just replicate that WAR number, it's going to seem more successful with the drop in strikeouts.

When you look at Geno in 2022+2023 and then Luis Urias in 2021+2022, do you know who had a higher WAR? I know it isn't everything, but Luis Urias actually beat out Geno 6.4 to 6.2. I bring this up because Urias was injured to start the year last season, and it affected how he played. Oddly enough, its similar in a way to some of the struggles Geno saw before we acquired him with an injury affecting his performance.

I still haven't brought up Garver, Polanco, and Raley. They've all put up some pretty darn good seasons. While there is no MVP-type player to pair with Julio, you're looking at an extremely deep lineup (again, if healthy) tha can perform 1-9. Ty France and Luis Urias might be your 8/9 hitters, and I think that's actually a pretty good world to live in, especially with a France resurgence.

Oh, and obviously, Cal, JP, and Julio. Cal is one of the best catchers in the game. JP had one of the best offensive seasons by any shortstop in 2023. Julio... well, he might just be the most exciting player in baseball. He's only 23 and is going to keep getting better.