By : Mike Rifkin
The Seattle Mariners currently hold the third Wild Card spot in the American League looking to break the longest current playoff drought in the four major sports. The Mariners have not made the playoffs since 2001. But the Mariners have made moves where they are thinking in the long term, not just about 2022.
Over the weekend the Mariners announced they have signed starter Luis Castillo to a five year 108 million dollar contract extension. Since the Mariners acquired Castillo from the Reds at the trade deadline he has a 3-2 record with a 3.34 ERA. Adding Castillo to a rotation that added last year’s CY Young Award winner Robbie Ray who signed a five year 115 million dollar contract over the winter. Ray is 12-10 with a 3.60 ERA and is currently eighth in the AL with 201 strikeouts. The Mariners rotation then fills out with young pitchers Logan Gilbert and George Kirby. Gilbert leads the team with 13 wins and a 3.29 ERA. Gilbert also has 170 strikeouts. Kirby in his rookie season has seven wins, a 3.30 ERA and 124 strikeouts.
Offensively the Mariners are led by AL Rookie Of The Year frontrunner Julio Rodriguez. Rodriguez has 27 home runs, 73 RBI, 25 stolen bases, and a slash line of .280/.342/.502. Earlier this season Seattle signed Rodriguez to a massive 12 year contract extension worth 210 million dollars, but with incentives could be even more money. The Mariners are currently 10th in MLB in home runs with 184. Led by Eugenio Suarez who like Castillo was acquired from the Reds leads the team with 31. The Mariners have six players currently who have double digit home runs and a few who are right there.
With the rotation that is signed long term and an offense that can mash. Overall the Mariners have a young nucleus and are starting to make waves in the American League. Don’t be surprised to see a World Series take place in Seattle soon.
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