When this season began, the Seattle Mariners were a potentially good club — if certain things fell their way, such as:
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Health
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Julio Rodriguez getting back to 2022 form
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Successful return for Matt Brash
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A step forward/bounce-back season from a few position players, as well as LHR Gabe Speier, and RHR Gregory Santos
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Avoid step-back performances
While we can put checkmarks next to a few of those things, including a bounce-back campaign from SS J.P. Crawford (thought he’s 4-for-43 since the All-Star break) and a large step forward from C Cal Raleigh, Seattle has dealt with pitching injuries (Logan Gilbert, Bryce Miller, George Kirby, Santos), Luke Raley and Dylan Moore haven’t performed as well as a year ago — nor has rotation as a whole — and starting right fielder Victor Robles managed just 10 games before suffering what may essentially turn out to be a season-ending shoulder injury.
These results have left holes in the roster and created a few more. The club’s acquisition of 1B Josh Naylor fills one, but there’s certainly more work to do.
Here are my rankings of where the club needs help the most, judging the need by potential impact and considering the perceived market.
NOTE: It’s quite unrealistic to expect more than two or three of the below areas to be checked off by the deadline. This is simply how I’d prioritize.
Stretch Options: Player not necessarily readily available that likely cost a deep package of talent, or should be backburner targets due to potential impact.