Fansided

2016 MLB season: AL West preview

By Nathaniel Reeves

Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa (1) hits a two-run home run during the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa (1) hits a two-run home run during the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 9, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners second baseman Robinson Cano (22) singles against the Texas Rangers during the first inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 9, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners second baseman Robinson Cano (22) singles against the Texas Rangers during the first inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /

After entering the year with sky-high expectations and finishing at 76-86, missing the playoffs for the 14th consecutive year, the Mariners cleaned house by firing general manager Jack Zduriencik. Jerry Dipoto quickly remade the entire roster, but Seattle is still avoiding a full-fledged rebuild in 2016.

There’s still enough talent at the Mariners’ strong core to make a run at the postseason. Instead of going with struggling prospects around that core, the Mariners added a few veteran role players to keep the window open short-term.

Projected lineup: 

1. Nori Aoki, LF

2. Ketel Marte, SS

3. Robinson Cano, 2B

4. Nelson Cruz, DH

5. Kyle Seager, 3B

6. Adam Lind, 1B

7. Seth Smith, LF

8. Chris Iannetta, C

9. Leonys Martin, CF

Changing the script from the typical perception of the Mariners, the lineup could be the strong suit of the team in 2016.

At the very least, Dipoto is building the roster to play better in spacious Safeco Field. Aoki and Martin will help what was a poor outfield defense, and the Mariners’ lineup as a whole should add some OBP, moving away from the previous regime’s philosophy of stockpiling players with lots of power and few other skills.

Cano, Cruz and Seager remains a great 3-4-5, particularly if Cano can avoid an early season slump this time around. Iannetta and Lind aren’t stars by any means, but Seattle fans should be happy to see them given the awful production the team has gotten from first base and catcher for years.

Marte will be an interesting player to watch after posting 1.7 WAR in 57 games last year per FanGraphs as a 22-year-old. While Marte’s lack of power limits his upside, he will be a very useful piece with some more development.

Projected rotation: 

1. Felix Hernandez

2. Hisashi Iwakuma

3. Wade Miley

4. Taijuan Walker

5. Nate Karns

This, along with a poor bullpen that has already suffered a few injuries, could be Seattle’s downfall. Even Hernandez, one of baseball’s few sure things for years, could be a question mark.

Hernandez struggled in the second half of last year amid injury concerns, and the Mariners have taken notice of his decreased velocity this spring. Iwakuma has never been able to pitch a full season, and Karns was shut down late last season due to concerns about his arm.

The Mariners need Walker to reach his high ceiling in 2016 to have a successful rotation. If everything goes right in the rotation and the bullpen holds together, the Mariners could be a dark horse playoff contender this season.

Rarely does everything go right in the rotation for any team, so Seattle will probably fall a little bit short. Still, expect an improved Mariners team this year.

Projected Record: 80-82

Next: 2. Texas Rangers

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