Mariners vs. White Sox: Polanco pops, a Quality Kirby, Seattle plates 8 in an inning

Heading into Chicago, it would seem that morale was at a season-low. Almost the entire core of Seattle's 2022 playoff lineup was missing: Ty France had been designated for assignment, Julio Rodríguez hit the IL with a high ankle sprain, and J.P. Crawford joined him on the IL with a right-hand fracture. After calling up Cade Marlowe, Tyler Locklear, Leo Rivas, and Jason Vosler to fill in the gaps, the team proceeded to post some of the best offensive numbers of any series all season.

Best Hitter: Jorge Polanco

14 PA, .385/.429/1.077, 5 H, 3 HR, 5 R, 5 RBI, 1 BB, 3 K, 1 SB

Polanco went on an absolute tear in Chicago, accumulating 14 total bases in just three games. He was so prolific at the plate in this series that his season OPS went from .597 to .631, a meaningful boost. The numbers still aren't great, but this stretch showed off what Polanco is capable of when he's at his best and could be a sign of things to come. The Mariners haven't yet traded for a second baseman and have instead chosen to bolster the outfield and bullpen, but they might need to if Polanco manages to keep up this momentum.

Honorable Mention: Cal Raleigh

15 PA, .357/.400/.857, 5 H, 1 2B, 2 HR, 4 R, 4 RBI, 1 BB, 2 K

Cal Raleigh continues to be the best qualified hitter on the team thus far, posting a cumulative .736 OPS and 113 OPS+. He's led the way in many matchups this season and with 22 home runs, it makes sense as to why. He's still slugging for power and not a ton of average but it works out well when his teammates, like Mitch Garver, Randy Arozarena, Victor Robles, and Josh Rojas have on-base percentages >.450 in a series. He also leads the team in RBI with 66, 28 more than the closest guy.