Former Mariners infielder rips Seattle for quiet winter

Sleepless in Seattle? Extra like sleepy after this offseason.

The Mariners, who completed ninth in workforce OPS in 2024, didn’t do a lot to improve a lineup that struggled to hit all year long, signing simply two gamers all winter: infielders Jorge Polanco and Donovan Solano. 

That did not sit properly with infielder Justin Turner, who now performs for the Cubs after spending the second half of final season with the Mariners. This is what he advised USA Right now’s Bob Nightengale:

“The truth that they missed the playoffs by one sport, and didn’t exit and add an affect bat or two when you’ve gotten one of the best pitching workers in baseball,” Turner mentioned, “simply appears absurd to me.” 

All of Turner’s factors are true. Seattle got here up simply in need of a playoff berth in 2024 and completed a mere 3.5 video games behind the AL West champion Houston Astros. Their 85 victories in 2024 have been practically sufficient.

And he is additionally right concerning the Mariners pitching workers. By ERA, Seattle’s pitchers had a mixed 3.49 mark final season, one of the best in baseball. 

The Mariners rotation, led by ace right-hander Logan Gilbert (3.23 ERA in 33 begins), ought to as soon as once more be one of many league’s fiercest in 2025. Their bullpen options fireballing nearer Andres Munoz (2.12 ERA in 60 appearances final season), together with the return of injured however gifted relievers Matt Brash and Gregory Soto. 

It is a system that ought to result in plenty of wins. Turner believed on this workforce a lot that he needed to return, however not alone. 

“Truthfully, as a lot as I needed to be again there,” Turner mentioned, “if I used to be the one piece they introduced again in, I’d be saying the identical factor: What the hell are we doing? Are you attempting?” 

“There’s not going to a greater time to go for it. So, I don’t know what they’re doing. I’m very confused. It’s a head-scratcher for me.”

Turner’s sentiments absolutely must match these of Mariners followers, if not the gamers themselves. 

Seattle is hoping that its late-season momentum, which was sparked by supervisor Dan Wilson’s arrival, can proceed into 2025. The Mariners went 21-13 after the managerial change and commenced averaging shut to 6 runs per sport on offense. 

21-13, albeit a small pattern dimension throughout the 162-game context of an MLB season, is a .618 successful share (equating to roughly 101 regular-season wins over a full marketing campaign). That’ll play. 

However with none significant modifications on offense, do not anticipate that form of efficiency from the Mariners in 2025.