Despite a challenging offseason for the Seattle Mariners, FanGraphs have given them excellent odds for making the playoffs in 2024.
There was a lot of understandable disappointment among fans, when the Seattle Mariners missed the 2023 playoffs by just one game. And when the Texas Rangers — who only finished two games ahead of them — went on to win their first World Series, it was a case of what could have been for many in the Pacific Northwest.
However, with an excellent pitching staff and fine defence, all the Mariners needed to do was bring in some more bats and they would be set for a genuine challenge in 2024. Instead, the front office seemed to go in the opposite direction, by getting rid of the likes of Teoscar Hernandez, Jarred Kelenic and Eugenio Suarez.
It transpired however, that these moves were necessary due to apparent financial limitations behind the scenes. In this respect, Jerry Dipoto, Justin Hollander and company deserve respect for being able to work wonders, particularly bringing in Mitch Garver and Jorge Polanco.
Even the loss of Justin Topa as part of the Polanco trade, was offset by completing another transaction for Gregory Santos. In fact, Santos probably represents an upgrade over Topa in the bullpen, while also being considerably younger.
Playoffs calling for the Seattle Mariners
Of course the most important question is, what does all of this mean for the Mariners’ chances of returning to the playoffs in 2024? Well, according to FanGraphs at least, fans should have plenty to cheer about come the end of September.
That’s because FanGraphs have actually given the Mariners the fourth-best odds of making the playoffs in the American League, at 64.0 percent. In these projections they would make the postseason as the number one wild card, with the Houston Astros having the best odds in the AL, at 85.9 percent.
Somewhat surprising, is that the current World Series champion Rangers are not even projected to make the playoffs. FanGraphs give them the eighth-best odds in the AL, at 34.3 percent.
Of course this is all very well and makes for great reading if you’re a Mariners fan. However, at the end of the day the games are decided on the field rather than through a computer, no matter how sophisticated and analytical the program is that’s used to decipher how things will play out during the upcoming regular season.
This is not to say that the Mariners don’t have a chance; of course they do with their starting rotation and the likes of Julio Rodriguez in the lineup. However, it figures to be another fight all the way to the finishing line, to determine if they do actually make the playoffs or not.
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Spring training
Of course, before the regular season even begins, there’s the small matter of spring training. Mariners pitchers and catchers are set to report to Peoria on Feb. 15.
The Mariners will play 31 games during spring training, between Feb. 24 and Mar. 26. The following games will be broadcast on either television or radio:
- Feb. 24. A. White Sox – TV (RSNW) – Radio (KIRO)
- Feb. 25. H. Guardians – TV (RSNW) – Radio (KIRO)
- Mar. 1. A. Rockies – TV (RSNW) – Radio (KIRO)
- Mar. 2. H. Athletics – Radio (KIRO)
- Mar. 3. A. Padries – TV (RSNW) – Radio (KIRO)
- Mar. 8. A. Cubs – Radio (KIRO)
- Mar. 9. A, Brewers – Radio (KIRO)
- Mar. 10. H. Giants – Radio (KIRO)
- Mar. 16. H. White Sox – TV (RSNW) – Radio (KIRO)
- Mar. 17. H. Diamondbacks – TV (RSNW) – Radio (KIRO)
- Mar. 18. A. Rangers – Radio (KIRO)
- Mar. 19. H. Rockies – Radio (KIRO)
- Mar. 21. H. Reds – Radio (KIRO)
- Mar. 22. H. Brewers – Radio (KIRO)
- Mar. 23. A. White Sox – Radio (KIRO)
- Mar. 24. H. Cubs – TV (RSNW) – Radio (KIRO)
- Mar. 25. A. Padres – TV (RSNW) – Radio (KIRO)
- Mar. 26. A. Padres – TV (RSNW) – Radio (KIRO)
How much stock do you put into FanGraphs’ playoff odds ahead of the 2024 regular season? How confident are you about the Seattle Mariners’ chances of qualifying for the postseason? Let us know in the comments section below.
