The Mariners seek to make the final leap

SEATTLE — After years of dismantling, waiting for prospects to progress and an unexpected season in which they got into playoff contention, the Seattle Mariners appear poised to change the narrative that has unhinged the franchise during the last two decades.

Playoffs? Yes, they are a real possibility, perhaps a must for these Mariners.

After a 90-win campaign that had Seattle in the wildcard race until the last day, the goals are aiming higher.

The rebuild undertaken by their president of operations Jerry Dipoto after the 2018 season looks poised to pay dividends with a strong rotation, an exceptional bullpen and a full daily lineup.

In other words, being a mere contender isn’t going to satisfy fans who have been waiting 21 years to get back to the playoffs.

“We’re in a good position because of what we’ve done in recent years. Last year helps a lot,” manager Scott Servais said. “I think we gave a huge last year.

What Dipoto did in the winter showed that he is convinced that Seattle is up for more.

He acquired Robbie Ray, the reigning American League Cy Young, to lead the rotation.

In a trade early in the offseason, he bolstered the offense with outfielder Jesse Winker and third baseman Eugenio Suarez from Cincinnati.

To make the claim of being in the postseason a reality, the Mariners will continue betting on the consolidation of a handful of players. Jarred Kelenic, for example, needs to have taken note of his failures last season and confirmed that he is one of the best prospects in baseball.

Chris Flexen has to confirm that his 14 wins last season were no fluke. And Mitch Haniger must stay healthy to anchor the middle of the offense.

And when Julio Rodríguez finally comes up, the 21-year-old Dominican will have to prove that he is ready to perform in the majors.

But there are still many questions. But if all goes according to plan, the Mariners could drop Houston from the top spot in the American League West.

“With all the hype around us, the talent we have and the momentum from last year, who doesn’t want to get going?” starter Marco Gonzales said.

Seattle’s big signing closed just before the lockout when the Mariners signed Ray to a five-year, $115 million deal. Ray shone last season with Toronto, going 13-7 with a 2.48 ERA and 248 strikeouts.

His addition cements a rotation that will have Gonzales, Flexen and Logan Gilbert in the next three at-bats.

The Mariners also added Pittsburgh’s Adam Frazier to cover second base and hit first. The agreement for Winker and Suárez resolved two shortcomings, although both carry doubts. Winker brings more to the offense than defense and will likely play designated hitter. Suarez hasn’t been the same since having shoulder surgery in 2020, not offering the same defensive guarantees that Kyle Seager gave the Mariners for 11 years at third base.

All eyes are on Rodriguez. The seen this spring indicates that he is ready. Last season, Rodríguez shone at every level of the minors that he played, and also with the Dominican Republic team in the Olympics.

“He’s going to be someone who carries a lot of energy and his potential to make an impact right away is extremely high,” Dipoto said.

The fifth spot in the rotation would go to rookie Matt Brash. George Kirby, another rookie, could also be considered.

Seattle had one of the best bullpens last season, thanks to the prominent role of Paul Sewald, Drew Steckenrider and others. It could be superior this season with the arrival of veteran Ken Giles and Mexican Andrés Muñoz, both recovered after Cy Young surgeries. They also signed Mexican veteran Sergio Romo.

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The Mariners seek to make the final leap