Seattle Mariners Looking To Raise the Bar in 2015

Seattle Mariners enjoyed a reasonably successful 2014, improving on the number of wins they achieved the season before by 16. The aim this offseason is to find the right blend that can help them build upon that success because, despite their improvements, the Mariners fell just short of the postseason.

Despite having little to shout about in the way of real success, the Mariners fans enjoy MLB as much as anyone. The 40,000 that packed Safeco Field for what was to become the final game last season— a 4-1 victory over Los Angeles Angels—still gave their heroes a standing ovation to show their appreciation.

This offseason, then, provides a chance for the Mariners to show that they aim to repay those loyal fans.

The big story so far this offseason has been Kyle Seager. His seven year extension deal makes him just the third M’s player to reach the $100 million threshold. The last two seasons saw Felix Hernadez sign a seven year deal for $175 million and Robinson Cano 10 years for $240 million.

David Schoenfield, writing for ESPN, thinks that the move is a good piece of business.

“You might not view Seager as a $100 million player, but he’s one of the most underrated players in the game, putting up good offensive numbers in a tough park and improving each season he’s been in the majors.”

Locking Seager into a deal might be a good move but there still remains a lot of work to be done by general manager Jack Zduriencik—not least in the search to redress their lack of right-handed hitters.

Offers were made to Victor Martinez, who re-signed for Detroit Tigers, and also Hanley Ramirez—who chose to go to Boston.

FoxSports Jon Morosi tweeted recently about the trade talks that the Mariners have been involved in which included multiple right-handed outfielders such as Matt Kemp, Yoenis Cespedes and Justin Upton.

USA Today’s Bob Nightengale agreed on Upton, although he thought the M’s would be exploring free agents such as Nelson Cruz first.

FoxSports blog Just a Bit Outside pinpointed the problem for the Mariners:

“The problem is that free-agent hitters, especially right-handed hitters who have seen the ball regularly die in left-center field at Safeco Field, are not rushing to join the Mariners.”

Their targets might not be rushing to join them but, come April, those passionate supporters will still be there—making tickets as hard to find as a right-handed power hitter. There is still time for the Mariners to find the right deals and fans can find here sold out Seattle Mariners tickets to judge the new-look team for themselves.