The Seattle Mariners are coming into the 2016 season with high expectations after new general manager Jerry Dipoto made a flurry of moves in the offseason to add depth to the roster. The team nearly made the playoffs two years ago before finishing with a losing record in 2015, and now many around baseball expect the Mariners to bounce back.
Dipoto took over the Mariners towards the end of last season, and he got to work right away. Throughout the winter Seattle turned over nearly half of the roster from 2015, adding 17 new players to the mix. Dipoto's goal for the offseason was to add more talent and depth to the team, and he did just that through free agent moves and trades.
The general manager also wanted to add more talent to the farm system, which had been depleted over the past few years as players were promoted to the major league roster. The team did not add any major stars or free agents, but it didn't really need that. What the team needed was an influx of major league-caliber players, and Dipoto provided just that, basically checking off every box on his list this offseason.
The Mariners catching situation was a black hole with Mike Zunino being brought up too early, so Dipoto signed Chris Iannetta and traded for Steve Clevenger. The outfield depth was lacking, so Dipoto signed Nori Aoki, kept Franklin Gutierrez and traded for Leonys Martin, who is one of the best defensive players in baseball. The bullpen was a mess last season, so Dipoto brought in Joaquin Benoit, Justin De Fratus, Evan Scribner and Steve Cishek.
Dipoto added Adam Lind to bring in some offensive help at first base, and he also rounded out the pitching depth with Wade Miley and Nathan Karns. The farm system still is a bit depleted, but Dipoto worked on that as well. While the team had to give up players they liked in trades with Patrick Kivlehan, James Jones, Carson Smith and Roenis Elias, the team got back Boog Powell. The former Rays and A's prospect gives the Mariners a top 10 player for their farm system, and he could end up getting some major league at-bats this season.
All those moves should help the Mariners get closer to the playoffs in 2016. The team has not made the postseason since winning 116 games in 2001, and the franchise has never been to a World Series. However, after all the moves Dipoto has made, fans are feeling excited about this season.
Last year had a similar feel after the Mariners won 87 games in 2014 and nearly made the playoffs, finishing one game short. But things did not go right last season, and the team finished with a 76-86 record. This time around, things have a different feel. Felix Hernandez said that any lingering issues he had from last season are gone, while Robinson Cano has had a strong spring following a disappointing 2015.
While the moves are no guarantee to make the playoffs, hope springs enteral once again for the Seattle Mariners. Will they make the playoffs in 2016? Only time will tell.
