Image Source: Ezra Roberts
Key Takeaways
- The MLB offseason is expected to be quiet in January and February as major free agents focus on a few teams and minor free agents seek spring training opportunities.
- The Seattle Mariners have been relatively inactive in the free agent market, with the exception of signing Josh Naylor to a big contract.
- Fans believe the Mariners should address their holes through free agency, but also support internal promotion, particularly for third base.
- The Mariners’ roster may be close to World Series level with a healthy pitching rotation and smart bullpen additions.
- Fans can participate in the SB Nation Reacts survey to share their opinions on the Mariners and MLB.
Introduction to the Offseason
As the holiday season comes to a close, baseball fans are eagerly anticipating the start of spring training. While the offseason is still in full swing, the market tends to slow down in January and February as major free agents narrow down their options and minor free agents seek opportunities to join teams for spring training. As noted in the original article, "the market tends to cool down around this period as major free agents begin to focus in on one or two teams who may be vying for their talents, and minor free agents look to join teams for spring training for a shot at the roster." This period of relative quiet is a normal part of the offseason, and teams often use this time to evaluate their rosters and make strategic moves.
The Mariners’ Offseason Strategy
The Seattle Mariners have been relatively quiet in the free agent market, with the exception of signing Josh Naylor to a big contract. This has been a departure from the expectations of fans, who overwhelmingly believe that the team should address its holes through free agency. As the article states, "I don’t find this result shocking at all. The reality is it just feels good when your team signs a big name free agent or makes a big trade to get better." However, the Mariners’ front office has taken a more measured approach, opting for occasional trades and internal promotions rather than big-name signings. For example, the team’s decision to promote from within for third base, rather than pursuing a high-profile free agent like Bregman, reflects this approach.
Addressing the Third Base Hole
When asked who the Mariners should target for third base, fans surprisingly supported internal promotion, with many believing that the team’s current players can fill the hole. As the article notes, "I found it intriguing that despite clearly wanting more activity in free agency you all actually wanted to address the biggest hole in the team via internal promotion, although maybe this poll reflected how poor of a fit many of you felt Bregman was to the Mariners." While some fans have high hopes for players like Williamson, others are more skeptical, and it remains to be seen whether the team’s internal options will be able to fill the gap. As the article states, "I’m no Williamson hater but I have yet to see anything from the kid that warrants the confidence others seem to have that he will take a major jump next year."
Evaluating the Mariners’ Roster
With spring training just a month away, the question on many fans’ minds is whether the Mariners are done making moves for the offseason. While there is still time for a trade or signing, no major rumors have surfaced recently. The article asks, "are the Mariners done for this offseason? There is certainly time to make a trade or signing but no one immediately comes to mind that has had Mariners rumors around the lately." The team’s roster is largely set, and it will be interesting to see whether they can make a deep playoff run with their current lineup. As the article notes, "I think with the pitching rotation fully healthy, some smart additions to the bullpen, the Mariners may only be a few patches away from getting to the big enchilada."
Fan Participation and Engagement
The SB Nation Reacts survey provides a platform for fans to share their opinions on the Mariners and MLB. By participating in the weekly emailed surveys, fans can make their voices heard and contribute to the ongoing conversation about the team. As the article states, "Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the MLB. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Mariners fans and fans across the country." Whether you’re a die-hard Mariners fan or just a casual observer, the survey is a great way to engage with the team and the broader baseball community. By sharing their opinions and insights, fans can help shape the narrative around the team and provide valuable feedback to the front office.
https://www.lookoutlanding.com/polling/138076/mariners-reacts-survey-42-days-till-spring
