The Seattle Mariners enter 2025 with the most impressive young, cost-controlled pitching rotation in Major League Baseball. Logan Gilbert, George Kirby, Bryce Miller, and Bryan Woo combined for over 700 innings and a solid 3.18 ERA in 2024. With Gilbert being the oldest at 28, this quartet has 17 years of team control remaining, cementing their status as a core strength for the team moving forward.
Offensive Struggles: Key Players But Uncertainty Surrounding the Lineup
While the Mariners’ pitching staff shines, their offense remains a major concern. Cal Raleigh is one of the best offensive catchers in the league, but the rest of the lineup lacks certainty. Julio Rodriguez has superstar potential but struggled early in 2024. Randy Arozarena, although capable of getting on base, posted a low power output after his midseason trade to Seattle, leaving the Mariners’ offense in question for 2025.
Mariners’ Strong Pitching Rotation Faces Offensive Uncertainty and Third Base Void Heading into 2025The Mariners’ offensive depth is thin beyond their core players. Victor Robles had a career year after joining Seattle, but his performance was driven by unsustainable luck. Dylan Moore and Luke Raley provide solid numbers but are more suitable for part-time roles. Other regulars like J.P. Crawford, Mitch Haniger, and Mitch Garver underperformed in 2024, further highlighting the team’s offensive struggles as they head into 2025.
Third Base Hole: No Clear Solution for Mariners’ Biggest Lineup Need
Despite making some additions, the Mariners have glaring holes in their lineup, particularly at third base. After non-tendering Josh Rojas and declining Jorge Polanco’s club option, they face challenges in improving this position. Their current free-agent options and trade possibilities remain uninspiring, leaving Seattle with a significant gap to fill before the 2025 season.
The Mariners’ strong pitching rotation could open trade possibilities to improve their offense. Teams seeking starting pitchers may be willing to offer top prospects in exchange for pitchers like Logan Gilbert or George Kirby. Though the Mariners have resisted trading their young arms, offers like Triston Casas or Jordan Westburg could be enticing, presenting an opportunity for Seattle to address their lineup concerns, though trading one of their top pitchers carries inherent risks.
