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Dream Mariners starting lineup for the 2024 season
In a perfect offseason for the Mariners, here is what my Dream lineup would be for the Seattle Mariners heading into 2024
It is no secret that the Mariners offense struggled in 2023. They were just too inconsistent to stay competitive for 162 games. Sure, they were 1 win away from the post-season, but how did their lineup stack up against the Texas Rangers or the Houston Astros? They would rank easily 3rd, and I am not convinced the Mariners make the same run the Rangers did to win the World Series.
Do I expect this lineup to be the exact same lineup the Mariners trot out on Opening Day? No. But this is a lineup that I believe Mariners fans could get excited about. No, the Mariners are not going to get Aaron Judge in a trade, or sign every top free agent available. But this lineup would be a much more consistent one compared to 2023.
1. J.P. Crawford, Shortstop (L)
Yes, I am sticking with the Captain leading off. Crawford put together his best season to date, and he deserves to lead off for this team going forward. J.P. hit .266/.380/.438/.818 with an OPS+ of 131. He led the American League in walks with 94, He struck out just 19.6% and walked at 14.7%. He also more than doubled his previous career high in Home Runs, clubbing 19 in 2023. Crawford had a very underrated season, and he will look to continue that into 2024.
2. Julio Rodriguez, Centerfield (R)
No Dream scenario lineup would be complete without J-Rod, the face of the franchise. Julio had a great season, hitting 32 Home Runs and driving in 103. His slash line was .275/.333/.485/.818 with an OPS+ of 128. He did strike out 175 times in 2023 (24.5%), which was a bit of a problem for Julio. Not just Julio, though, as I have mentioned before, Teoscar Hernandez, Eugenio Suarez, and Julio all combined for 600 strikeouts which is insane. That is like your 9 hitter striking out every single at-bat for an entire season.
Julio would see much better pitches to hit because of the new 3-hole hitter hitting behind him. I think he takes a huge step forward in 2024, and could be a MVP canidate by season's end. Talent is never a question with Julio, and if 2023 was his "floor", imagine what his ceiling could be. And in a lineup like this, the sky is the limit.