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Just how good could things get for the 2024 Mariners? Here's what the ceiling could look like
If things go right, and we mean RIGHT, just how great could Seattle be? Here is a look at the ceiling for the Mariners if things go right in 2024
We had a feeling, didn't we? After the disappointing September collapse last year that saw the Mariners barely miss the playoffs, the pressure was on to not just get back to the playoffs, but make a statement.
After a brutal and embarrassing start to the offseason, Jerry Dipoto and Justin Hollander went to work. Despite a limited budget, they were able to rebuild their lineup without trading from their talented young pitchers. A decision that should pay massive dividends for years to come.
With the additions of Jorge Polanco, Luke Raley, Mitch Garver, and Mitch Haniger, the lineup was finally stable and gave no easy outs. The rotation, fueled with the confidence of a strong offensive partner, exceeded their strong 2023 numbers as the youth continued to develop. Remember, this is a look at what COULD happen, so let's get into the dream 2024 season for the Mariners, and see just how good it could turn out if things click.
A Dream First Half
Even with a few more blown saves than I would have liked to see, the Mariners finished April with a 3 game lead in the division. As the weather warmed up, so did the offense. Concerns about the health of the Mitch’s proved to be overblown. Haniger and Garver both saw action in over 130 games and both hit over 25 bombs while each posting a 120 OPS+.
The revolving door of horrible 2nd basemen finally ended, as underrated trade acquisition Jorge Polanco became JP Crawford and Julio Rodriguez’s personal RBI machine, leading all American League players in RBIs at the all-star break, where he would start as well.
Speaking of the all-star game, Seattle would roll into Texas for the Mid-Summer Classic at 58-40, good for the best record in the AL and 4 games up on Houston for the AL West lead. Joining Polanco in Texas were six Mariners. Cal Raleigh, Andres Munoz, and Luis Castillo made the team, while Polanco, Julio, and George Kirby not only made the team but earned the starting nods for the American League.
Trade Deadline
After sweeping the Houston Astros immediately after the all-star break, the trade deadline became more about finding pieces to help Seattle get to the World Series, not just the postseason. With the St. Louis Cardinals struggling yet again, despite a dominant first half from Nolan Arenado, the Mariners go for it. That's right Jerry Dipoto and John Stanton go for it.
Trade: Seattle acquires 3B Nolan Arenado and RHP Chris Stratton, St. Louis acquires C Harry Ford, RHP Emerson Hancock & OF Alberto Rodriguez
It's a heavy price, letting go of two top ten prospects, including top 50 prospect Harry Ford, but Seattle completes their lineup with a MVP caliber hitter and world class defensive star at the hot corner. The Mariners lineup is now arguably one of the very best in all of baseball.
Second Half MVP Surge
With Arenado added to an already potent roster, the offense took it up a notch, and we once again saw an absolute surge by Julio Rodriguez. As the Mariners sprint to a 100-win season, Julio lays claim to being the best player in the American League, in large part to a historic 40/40 season and Gold Glove defense in center field.
It was poetic that his 40th home run would be the epic grand slam walk off in the 10th inning against the Yankees on September 18th to officially clinch not just the first MVP award to a Seattle Mariner since 2001, but also the teams first AL West title in that magical season. With the division and #1 seed locked up in a weak American League, the Mariners were able to rest their starters and prepare and set themselves for a hopeful deep run.
During the final two weeks of the season, it was announced that Jerry Dipoto and Scott Servais were each given five year extensions.
The Postseason Run
The field was set for the 2024 playoffs, as follows:
#1 Seed: Seattle Mariners
#2 Seed: New York Yankees
#3 Seed: Cleveland Guardians
#4 Seed: Baltimore Orioles
#5 Seed: Houston Astros
#6 Seed: Texas Rangers
The stage was set, and an ALDS rematch from 2022 was coming to Seattle after the Astros upset the Orioles.
In a series that felt like it had a decade of Astro hate and frustration, the Mariners didn't just sweep Houston, they broke them, permanently ending an infamous dynasty. The Astros were outscored 21-4 and didn't score a run until the 9th inning of game 2.
After popping champagne deep in the heart of Houston's ballpark, the Mariners prepared for an ALCS battle against Aaron Judge, Juan Soto, and the New York Yankees.
After a back-and-forth series that saw Luis Castillo and Gerrit Cole absolutely dominate for their respective clubs, the M’s and Yanks would go to a game 7 and into the bottom of the 11th before the “The Dumpble” a double by ALCS MVP Cal Raleigh that brought home Nolan Arenado and clinched the Mariners their first ever World Series appearance.
Fall Classic?
And we welcome you into the Fox broadcast booth, hello everyone, I'm Joe Davis along with my partner the Hall of Famers John Smoltz. Game 1 of the Fall Classic, between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Seattle Mariners. The 115-win Los Angeles Dodgers are trying to put a stamp on arguably the greatest season in baseball history, versus the Seattle Mariners who are making their first ever trip to the World Series.
We had a feeling didn't we?
Here's to hoping it all goes right in 2024.