How the Mariners fit into the playoff picture at the MLB halfway point

We are at the halfway mark of the season, which is crazy because it felt like the season just started. Here's how the Mariners fit into the playoff picture

Chicago White Sox v Seattle Mariners
Chicago White Sox v Seattle Mariners | Steph Chambers/GettyImages
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AL Central

1st place team: Cleveland Guardians (49-26)

The Cleveland Guardians lost Shane Bieber to Tommy John surgery early in the season. That hasn't stopped them from being one of the better teams in the AL. Jose Ramirez, Josh Naylor and Steven Kwan have all been very important in their success. They will look to add a SP at the deadline.

2nd place team: Minnesota Twins (43-35) 7.5 GB, WC2 +1 games

The Minnesota Twins are what everyone expected, being good but not great, they have a decent lineup and a decent starting rotation. But they might have found a star in Royce Lewis if he can stay healthy.

3rd place team: Kansas City Royals (42-37) 9 GB, .5 GB WC3

The Kansas City Royals have been a major surprise this year. Bobby Witt Jr. continues to be a superstar and Salvador Perez is back to being one of the better-hitting catchers in the league. The main reason for their success has been their rotation led by Seth Lugo and Cole Ragans.

4th place team: Detroit Tigers (36-41) 14 GB, 5.5 GB of WC3

The Detroit Tigers are an up and coming team and I think they will be a playoff team in a couple years. Riley Greene seems like the real deal and Jack Flaherty has bounced back in a big way in 2024. They will be sellers and I could see Flaherty being traded.

5th place team: Chicago White Sox (21-58) 30 GB, 21.5 GB of WC3

The Chicago White Sox are the worst team in baseball. Many people believe they are open to trading Luis Robert Jr. and Garrett Crochet. cough *Seattle* cough

Schedule