5 optimistic predictions for the Mariners as we head into 2023

Mariners Prediction #4. Mariners bullpen has the best ERA in baseball

Just like with the France prediction, I don't think this one is all that crazy. In 2022, they ended up having the 6th best ERA for relievers last season, coming in at 3.33. With Munoz having a full year under his belt and Brash looking like a monster in Spring Training, I think the Mariners are going to have a lot of nasty pitchers in the pen.

Even the rest of the crew is pretty good. Sure, I know that we could always see someone fall apart after a good season a.k.a. Drew Steckenrider, but I'm staying optimistic. Penn Murfee and Matt Festa were incredible finds last season. Other than a handful of rough outings, Diego Castillo was actually pretty darn good in 2022, with a 1.87 ERA in 56 of his appearances. We won't talk about the other ones.

I haven't even talked about the Mariners closer yet in Paul Sewald. He's been great the last two seasons, and posted an incredible WHIP last year at just 0.766. The Mariners are looking to repeat the success they've found in the last two seasons, and look poised to be even better if things go right in 2023. An ERA of around 2.80, which is what the Astros led the league with last season, seems plausible for the Mariners.