2024-2025 MLB Wraparound Season

 

Every MLB All Star break, an idea runs through my head ... who has had the best last 12 months in baseball?  ESPN used to calculate this full season of stats from All Star Break to All Star Break back when they cared about baseball.  I used to calculate all these stats for a few years and write about them, last doing it in 2018.  I stopped doing it because I didn't have time to do all the calculating, but now there's websites that can do all that calculating for me.  Add on top of that a certain amount of boredom during this All Star Break, and I've decided to resurrect this yearly article.

We all just saw the All Star Game celebrate who has had the best start to the 2025 MLB season, but if you add in the end of last season, who has had the best last 12 months of baseball.  Let's find out!

Thanks to FanGraphs for having the tools to calculate these stats for me.

Hitting

Batting Average

(minimum 500 plate appearances)

1.  Aaron Judge - NYY - .352

2.  Vladimir Guerrero Jr. - TOR - .318

3.  Bobby Witt Jr. - KC - .314

4.  Xavier Edwards - MIA - .301

5.  Luis Arraez - SD - .296

6.  Jose Ramirez - CLE - .293

7.  Kyle Tucker - HOU / CHC - .293

8.  Jeremy Pena - HOU - .292

9.  Alejandro Kirk - TOR - .290

10.  Brendan Donovan - STL - .290

Home Runs

1.  Aaron Judge - NYY - 59

2.  Shoehi Ohtani - LAD - 57

3.  Cal Raleigh - SEA - 52

4.  Eugenio Suarez - ARZ - 51

5.  Kyle Schwarber - PHI - 49

6.  Juan Soto - NYY / NYM - 41

7.  Brent Rooker - ATH - 38

8.  Corbin Carroll - ARZ - 38

9.  Ketel Marte - ARZ - 36

10.  Pete Alonso - NYM - 36

RBI's

1.  Aaron Judge - NYY - 140

2.  Eugenio Suarez - ARZ - 131

3.  Shohei Ohtani - LAD - 121

4.  Cal Raleigh - SEA - 121

5.  Kyle Schwarber - PHI - 119

6.  Matt Olson - ATL - 115

7.  Pete Alonso - NYM - 114

8.  Manny Machado - SD - 109

9.  Jackson Chourio - MIL - 106

10.  Seiya Suzuki - CHC - 105

OPS (On Base + Slugging)

(500 Plate Appearance Minimum)

1.  Aaron Judge - NYY - 1.209

2.  Shohei Ohtani - LAD - 1.008

3.  Vladimir Guerrero Jr. - TOR - .944

4.  Juan Soto - NYY / NYM - .941

5.  Bobby Witt Jr. - KC - .931

6.  Cal Raleigh - SEA - .913

7.  Eugenio Suarez - ARZ - .911

8.  Kyle Tucker - HOU / CHC - .906

9.  Kyle Schwarber - PHI - .904

10.  Corbin Carroll - ARZ - .893

wRC+

(500 Plate Appearance Minimum ... League Average - 100)

1.  Aaron Judge - NYY - 226

2.  Shohei Ohtani - LAD - 172

3.  Juan Soto - NYY / NYM - 165

4.  Vladimir Guerrero Jr. - TOR - 162

5.  Cal Raleigh - SEA - 157

6.  Kyle Tucker - HOU / CHC - 153

7.  Bobby Witt Jr. - KC - 153

8.  Kyle Schwarber - PHI - 147

9.  Eugenio Suarez - ARZ - 146

t-10.  Pete Alonso - NYM - 145

t-10.  Brent Rooker - ATH - 145

As if Aaron Judge's 2025 season wasn't impressive enough, if you add in how he finished 2024, somehow his stat line gets even more impressive.  He leads every category here ... and by a significant margin.  Strong starts to 2025 have led to impressive wraparound resumes for Eugenio Suarez and Cal Raleigh.  Two impressive resumes that fall just below the plate appearance minimum are Ketel Marte and Byron Buxton.  None of that really matters though.  We're all just living in Aaron Judge's world right now.

Starting Pitching

Innings Pitched

1.  Logan Webb - SF - 206.0

2.  Zack Wheeler - PHI - 205.1

3.  Framber Valdez - HOU - 199.0

4.  Tarik Skubal - DET - 197.0

5.  Christopher Sanchez - PHI - 193.1

6.  Bryan Woo - SEA - 192.0

7.  Spencer Schwellenbach - ATL - 189.2

8.  Jose Berrios - TOR - 188.2

9.  Max Fried - ATL / NYY - 188.1

t-10.  Carlos Rodon - NYY - 187.2

t-10.  Jake Irvin - WAS - 187.2

t-10.  Paul Skenes - PIT - 187.2

ERA

(162 inning minimum)

1.  Paul Skenes - PIT - 2.01

2.  Tarik Skubal - DET - 2.28

3.  Hunter Brown - HOU - 2.36

4.  Zack Wheeler - PHI - 2.37

5.  Framber Valdez - HOU - 2.44

6.  Freddy Peralta - MIL - 2.81

7.  Max Fried - ATL / NYY - 2.82

8.  Garrett Crochet - CWS / BOS - 2.89

9.  Bryan Woo - SEA - 2.91

10.  Spencer Schwellenbach - 2.94

Strikeouts Per 9 Innings

(162 inning minimum)

1.  Garrett Crochet - CWS / BOS - 11.7

2.  Zack Wheeler - PHI - 11.0

3.  Tarik Skubal - DET - 11.0

4.  Jack Flaherty - LAD / DET - 10.7

5.  Carlos Rodon - NYY - 10.5

6.  Dylan Cease - SD - 10.3

7.  Sonny Gray - STL - 10.3

8.  MacKenzie Gore - WAS - 10.3

9.  Hunter Brown - HOU - 10.2

t-10.  Paul Skenes - PIT - 10.2

t-10.  Nick Pivetta - BOS / SD - 10.2

WHIP

(162 inning minimum)

1.  Zack Wheeler - PHI - 0.88

2.  Tarik Skubal - DET - 0.89

3.  Bryan Woo - SEA - 0.92

4.  Paul Skenes - PIT - 0.94

5.  Spencer Schwellenbach - ATL - 0.97

6.  Nathan Eovaldi - TEX - 1.00

7.  Hunter Brown - HOU - 1.02

8.  Framber Valdez - HOU - 1.03

9.  Carlos Rodon - NYY - 1.05

10.  Zack Littell - TB - 1.06

There are some names at the top of these lists you expect to see like All Star Game starters Tarik Skubal and Paul Skenes.  Zack Wheeler has been a well-known workhorse the last few seasons.  Garrett Crochet has been everything he is supposed to be since the trade to Boston.  Hunter Brown and Framber Valdez lead continue to lead the Astros rotation.  However, names like Bryan Woo and Spencer Schwellenbach popping up multiple times was not something I was expecting.

Relief Pitching

Innings Pitched

1.  Tyler Alexander - TB / MIL / CWS - 84.0

2.  Jose A. Ferrer - WAS - 80.1

3.  Jason Adam - TB / SD - 78.1

4.  Brant Hurter - DET - 77.1

5.  Tanner Scott - MIA / SD / LAD - 75.2

6.  Bryan Abreu - HOU - 74.1

7.  Tim Hill - NYY - 74.0

8.  Dennis Santana - PIT - 73.1

9.  Emmanuel Clase - CLE - 73.1

10.  Spencer Bivens - SF - 73.1

ERA

(50 inning minimum)

1.  Dennis Santana - PIT - 1.47

2.  Mike Vasil - CWS - 1.59

3.  Daniel Lynch IV - KC - 1.71

4.  Emmanuel Clase - CLE - 1.84

5.  Jason Adam - TB / SD - 1.95

6.  Randy Rodriguez - SF - 2.03

7.  Manuel Rodriguez - TB - 2.05

8.  Aroldis Chapman - PIT / BOS - 2.08

9.  Tyler Rogers - SF - 2.14

10.  Andres Munoz - SEA - 2.21

Strikeouts Per 9 Innings

(50 inning minimum)

1.  Fernando Cruz - CIN / NYY - 14.3

2.  Edwin Diaz - NYM - 14.1

3.  Aroldis Chapman - PIT / BOS - 13.8

4.  Mason Miller - ATH - 13.4

5.  Devin Williams - MIL / NYY - 13.3

6.  Kirby Yates - TEX / LAD - 13.3

7.  Griffin Jax - MIN - 13.2

8.  Mark Leiter Jr. - CHC / NYY - 13.0

9.  Josh Hader - HOU - 12.9

t-10.  Cade Smith - CLE - 12.8

t-10.  Jeremiah Estrada - SD - 12.8

WHIP

(50 inning minimum)

1.  Dennis Santana - PIT - 0.75

2.  Tyler Rogers - SF - 0.84

3.  Josh Hader - HOU - 0.85

4.  Andres Munoz - SEA - 0.86

5.  Aroldis Chapman - PIT / BOS - 0.86

6.  Edwin Diaz - NYM - 0.89

7.  Ryan Walker - SF - 0.91

8.  Jesus Tinoco - CHC / MIA - 0.92

9.  Tyler Holton - DET - 0.93

10.  Nick Mears - COL / MIL - 0.93

Two things that stand out to me ... First, veteran closers like Emmanuel Clase and Josh Hader have their reputation for a reason.  They pitch a lot, and they dominate.  Second, Aroldis Chapman has still got it!  Popping up on most of these lists, Chapman is still one of the best relievers in the game.  Many of the other names I haven't heard much of, I can imagine a lot of teams are calling the Pirates about Dennis Santana.

So there you go!  Enjoy the stretch run and the Trade Deadline.  See you again next July!

2023 Pre-Season Profile: Los Angeles Dodgers

 #1

The Los Angeles Dodgers made news this offseason for not making much news.  Can they contend for a title in 2023 with their current roster?

2022 Predictions

#2 - 1st in NL West, lose in World Series

MIH - Cody Bellinger

MIP - Julio Urias

PTW - Michael Busch

2022 Results

#5 - 111-51, 1st in NL West, lost in NLDS

Highest WAR (Position) - Mookie Betts

Highest WAR (Pitcher) - Julio Urias

The Dodgers are consistently one of the best regular season teams year after year, winning over 100 games for the 4th time in 5 seasons (excluding the COVID-shortened 2020 season).  However, outside of the COVID-shortened 2020 season, the regular season success hasn't produced any postseason results.  Adding insult to injury, they were eliminated from the playoffs by divisional rival San Diego in 2022.  Is it possible Dave Roberts is on the hot seat even with all that success?

Additions / Subtractions

The Dodgers had a very strange offseason for them in that they didn't make a splash.  While every other big market team was adding huge contracts and superstars to their payroll, the Dodgers instead watched Trea Turner, Cody Bellinger, Justin Turner, Joey Gallo, Tyler Anderson, Andrew Heaney, and Craig Kimbrel walk away while Gavin Lux and Walker Buehler will miss the season with injuries.  With that kind of star power leaving, most of them were replaced internally or with short term deals.  New Dodgers include starter Noah Syndergaard, infielder Miguel Rojas, outfielder Jason Heyward, and DH J.D. Martinez.  Many speculate that the Dodgers didn't spend this offseason so they can offer a half a billion dollars to Shohei Ohtani next winter.

Most Important Hitter

Max Muncy

The Dodgers still have Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman at the heart of their lineup, but a lineup is more than two players (just ask the Angels).  Max Muncy is one of those players that the Dodgers are really counting on to provide that depth.  The Dodgers unlocked something in Muncy when he joined the team in 2018 as he hit over 35 home runs in 2018, 2019, and 2021 while making the All Star team twice.  However, in 2022 Muncy took a step back, only hitting 21 home runs with an OPS+ of 97.  With Justin Turner's departure, Muncy is now the everyday third baseman, especially with second base not really an option anymore with the new shift ban.  If he returns to his 2021 form, that will go a long way in keeping the Dodger lineup moving.

Most Important Pitcher

Dustin May

Julio Urias emerged as an ace last season, and Clayton Kershaw is still around, however the biggest X-factor in the Dodger rotation is Dustin May.  At one point, May was one of the most promising prospects in all of baseball, but injuries have made it difficult for him to reach his potential.  He will have every opportunity in 2023 to show what he can do.  His stuff is still filthy so as long as he can stay healthy, May may be a prime breakout candidate this season.

Prospect to Watch

Miguel Vargas

The miracle of this run the Dodgers are on is they have been able to make the blockbuster trades and sign the big free agents while maintaining one of the best farm systems in all of baseball.  Ranked either 1st or 2nd (to the Orioles), the Dodgers currently have 7 prospects in the Top 100.  This organizational depth is going to be leaned on this season to help replace some of the departing star power, with several rookies getting Opening Day starts.  One of those is Miguel Vargas.  Ranked 37th in the Top 100, the 23 year old Cuban can play anywhere on the field, but will be looked to as the everyday second baseman this season.  Vargas is a pretty elite hitter so as long as he hits, the Dodgers will find a role for him.

2023 Prediction

1st in NL West, win World Series

There you have it!  My World Series pick!  I love what the Dodgers did (or didn't do) to get ready for this year.  There's something to the consistency and trusting the talent you have, especially finally allowing the young talent to truly get a chance to thrive at the big league level.  The sneakiest move of the whole offseason might be the trade for Miguel Rojas, especially after Gavin Lux's injury.  I don't see the Dodgers winning 111 games again this season.  In fact, I have them picked to have the worst record among the division champs and having to play through the Wild Card Round.  However, it just makes too much sense that the year no one is paying attention to them is the year they go all the way.  Also, can you imagine a Yankees/Dodgers World Series?  It's a marketing dream!

Fearless Prediction

Clayton Kershaw retires after this season.

Clayton Kershaw is one of the best pitchers of this generation.  He is a 9 time All Star, a former MVP, won the pitching Triple Crown and 3 Cy Youngs.  He is also in his age 35 season and has been making a habit of signing 1 year contracts recently.  There have been rumblings that he has started questioning when it's time to call it a career each offseason.  I would imagine a full season World Series championship will be the perfect opportunity for Kershaw to ride off into the Cooperstown sunset.

2023 Pre-Season Profile: New York Yankees

 #2

The New York Yankees rode their AL MVP to the top of their division, but couldn't take that last step and compete in the World Series.  Will 2023 bring their first Fall Classic since 2009?

2022 Predictions

#13 - 3rd in AL East

MIH - Josh Donaldson

MIP - Luis Severino

PTW - Oswald Peraza

2022 Results

#3 - 99-63, 1st in AL East, lost in ALCS

Highest WAR (Position) - Aaron Judge

Highest WAR (Pitcher) - Nestor Cortes

The New York Yankees are currently riding their longest drought without a World Series appearance in franchise history.  That may sound like a spoiled statement, but Yankees standards are higher.  It's World Series or bust every year.  With that said, it's hard to look at 2022 and say it was a complete failure.  They won the AL East, which was probably the toughest division in baseball.  They made it to the ALCS and lost to the eventual champs.  Individually, they had a surprise All Star season from starter Nestor Cortes.  With all that said, by far the biggest story of 2022 was Aaron Judge.  Right now, it takes a record-breaking season to pass both Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout to win the MVP.  Well, 62 home runs, 131 RBI's, .311 batting average, 211 OPS+, 10.6 WAR ... yeah, that'll do it.

Additions / Subtractions

Aaron Judge won the MVP in a record-breaking season in his contract year.  The Yankees had to bring him back, and they did (even though everyone thought for an afternoon he was going to be a Giant).  They also upgraded the rotation by signing Carlos Rodon to replace Jameson Taillon.  Outside of that, there wasn't much change in this roster.

Most Important Hitter

Gleyber Torres

Obviously, Aaron Judge and his health is vital to this lineup.  Keeping Giancarlo Stanton and Josh Donaldson on the field for a whole season is important.  However, the X-factor of this lineup that could make it elite is Gleyber Torres.  Torres burst on the scene with All Star appearances in his first two seasons.  Then, he followed it up with two disappointing seasons in 2020 and 2021 as the Yankees played with putting him at shortstop.  Last season was his best year since his All Star seasons, but he is still a big question mark entering the season, with even trade rumors surrounding his name this offseason and even entering the season.  He is still only entering his age 27 season with two more years of club control.  If Torres can build off a strong season in 2022 and get back to a borderline All Star level, this lineup will be scary.

Most Important Pitcher

Carlos Rodon

Carlos Rodon has had a bit of a roller coaster career so far.  He came up with the White Sox in 2015 with a lot of promise and showed that he could develop into something great.  Then he flatlined for a few seasons and never really improved.  Then came injuries, which derailed his 2019 and 2020 seasons.  In a contract year in 2021, he had the best season of his career, but no one was sure if it was sustainable.  After signing a one year deal with the Giants, he proved he had turned a corner.  Now he's a Yankee on a big free agent deal and is expected to pair with Gerrit Cole at the top of the rotation as co-aces of the staff.  Some are already nervous as he is starting the season on the IL.  If the Yankees are going to have a successful season, they need Carlos Rodon to earn his paycheck.

Prospect to Watch

Anthony Volpe

The Yankees sport a mid-level farm system, which is impressive considering how often they dip into it to make blockbuster trades.  The top of their system is the #5 overall prospect in all baseball, Anthony Volpe.  He is a highly-touted phenom drafted out of high school that has cheered for the Yankees his entire life that got the Opening Day start at shortstop for the Pinstripes.  Sound familiar?  Volpe does sport a different game than Derek Jeter had though.  He is a true five-tool player that can do it all.  This was shown in the minors when in 2021 he hit 27 homers, 35 doubles, and stole 33 bases.  He followed that up in 2022 with 21 homers, 35 doubles, and 50 steals.  He became the first 20/50 minor leaguer since Andruw Jones in 1995.  That's pretty good company too.  The Yankees may have another superstar on their hands at shortstop.

2023 Prediction

1st in AL East, lose World Series

The Yankees have been so close to getting back to the World Series recently.  One of these seasons, they are going to break through.  There were a lot of big names available in free agency, and they did bring in Rodon (which was a much needed addition).  However, I like it when teams decide to stay quiet and show confidence in the group they already have.  They are the Yankees so they may be a prime candidate for a big trade at some point, but the consistency of this roster might bode well and bring them an AL pennant.

Fearless Prediction

Aaron Judge will not lead his team in home runs in 2023.

He can't do it again, can he?  Aaron Judge played in 157 games in 2022, the most of his career and only the third full season of his career.  Most of those games were in centerfield.  An injury does tend to creep up on him from time to time.  I could also see the Yankees try to protect him and keep him fresh.  With all that said, this is less of a statement on Judge (he did homer yesterday on the second pitch he saw on Opening Day) and more a statement on Giancarlo Stanton.  I have always been a fan of Stanton, and his time in the Bronx has been perceived mostly as a disappointment.  However, he has stayed moderately healthy the last two seasons, hitting over 30 homers both years.  He has big seasons in him too, having hit 59 homers back in 2017 in his last season in Miami.  If he can stay healthy again, I could Stanton and Judge pull a Mantle and Maris in their home run competition.  It's not out of the question to see a total of over 100 home runs from just these two (last year they combined for 93).

2023 Pre-Season Profile: New York Mets

 #3

The New York Mets continue to try and buy their way to championship.  Will winning the offseason result in winning in the postseason in 2023?

2022 Predictions

#4 - 1st in NL East, lose in NLCS

MIH - Francisco Lindor

MIP - Max Scherzer

PTW - Brett Baty

2022 Results

#9 - 101-61, 2nd in NL East, WILD CARD, lost in Wild Card Series

Highest WAR (Position) - Jeff McNiel

Highest WAR (Pitcher) - Max Scherzer

This is how good the National League has been recently.  The New York Mets won 101 games in 2022.  Yeah, that was good for 2nd in the division.  They lost in the Wild Card Series to the Padres, who you can argue were the more talented (and maybe higher spending) team.  Then, the eventual NL champ was the 3rd place team from their own division.  With the type of overhaul the Mets had before the 2022 season, it sometimes takes a year or two for the team to come together and play well as a unit.  With that said, they still won 101 games.

Additions / Subtractions

Well, with new Mets owner Steve Cohen, since the Mets didn't win the World Series, it meant he didn't spend enough money.  So he opened up the pocket books again.  First, the Mets kept some of their own that were entering free agency by re-signing closer Edwin Diaz and outfielder Brandon Nimmo to huge deals.  Then, they signed a second 40 year old pitcher to a contract paying $40 million per year.  Last year it was Max Scherzer.  This year it was Justin Verlander.  They signed veteran Jose Quintana and Japanese import Kodai Senga to bolster the rotation even more.  Reliever and former closer David Robertson was signed to deepen the bullpen (and possibly close now that Diaz is out for the year).  Catcher Omar Narvaez was signed to be an offensive-minded catcher.  They also found themselves in the middle of the Carlos Correa saga as they jumped in and agreed to a deal with the superstar shortstop after the Giants questioned his medicals.  Then when the Mets questioned his medicals, both sides backed out of the deal, and he ended up back in Minnesota.  The only real significant subtractions were starters Jacob deGrom, Chris Bassitt and Taijuan Walker, but they were more than adequately replaced.

Most Important Hitter

Brandon Nimmo

Brandon Nimmo had a career year in 2022, which just happened to be his contract year.  He cashed in to stay with the Mets, signing an 8 year $162 million deal.  However, it was only the second time in Nimmo's seven year career he has played in more than 100 games.  The production has always been decent when he is on the field.  The problem is he has to be on the field.  Was 2022 starting a new trend of health, or an anomaly in a career riddled with injuries?  The Mets have a potent middle of the order with the likes of Francisco Lindor and Pete Alonso, but they are counting on Nimmo to be on base for them to drive in.

Most Important Pitcher

Kodai Senga

The Mets have a lot of money invested in their starting rotation.  The amount of money they are paying the comination of Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander more than 9 teams' entire rosters.  However, most of the money invested in the rotation was spent on established older pitchers.  The one step they took to solidify part of their rotation passed this year and next was signing Kodai Senga.  The 30 year old Japanese star signed a 5 year $75 million deal with the Mets.  These Japanese players are definitely hit or miss.  Senga has some serious talent.  The question is ... will he be the next Masahiro Tanaka or the next Yusei Kikuchi?  If he is closer to Tanaka, then the Mets have an ace that will be around long after Scherzer and Verlander retire.

Prospect to Watch

Francisco Alvarez

On top of spending all this money, the Mets also boast a top ten caliber farm system, highlighted by one of the best prospects in all of baseball, 21 year old catcher Francisco Alvarez.  The reason the Mets signed a short term stop gap at catcher this offseason was to leave room for Alvarez to break out.  This kid showed all through the minors some elite pure power, slugging 24 homers in 2021 and 27 homers in 2022.  He got a taste of the big leagues at the end of last season, and although he is starting 2023 back in the minors, he will be brought up soon to be another centerpiece of the heart of the Mets batting order.

2023 Prediction

1st in NL East, lose in NLCS

Somehow, a 101 win team looks on paper to have greatly improved this offseason.  They should win the division, but the Braves and Phillies will definitely make it difficult on them.  Can they go all the way?  Absolutely.  I struggle to see a team with this much turnover again coming together in a way to go all the way.  There's a reason whenever the moniker of "best team money can buy" rarely produces a championship.

Fearless Prediction

A closer named Diaz will lead the Mets in saves in 2023.

It was heartbreaking to see such a moment of joy turn so fast in one fatal misstep as Edwin Diaz tore up his knee in the middle of a joyous celebration with his WBC teammates.  It left the Puerto Rico team dejected and the Mets without a closer for the season.  The Mets have announced they will use a closer by committee to start the season, but you know Steve Cohen won't be content with that.  A trade will be made for a closer, and one of the most likely candidates is Edwin's brother Alexis Diaz.  Currently the closer for the Reds, the younger Diaz was shedding tears on the field watching Edwin be carried off the field.  Wouldn't it be poetic if the Mets used some of their farm system depth to bring him in to fill in for his brother?  The Reds are always willing right now to get rid of established stars for prospect potential.  This seems like too good of a story for the Mets to pass up.

2023 Pre-Season Profile: Seattle Mariners

 #4

The Seattle Mariners broke their 21 year postseason drought in 2022.  Can 2023 bring about another step towards winning a championship?

2022 Predictions

#8 - 3rd in AL West, WILD CARD, lose in ALDS

MIH - Jesse Winker

MIP - Logan Gilbert

PTW - Julio Rodriguez

2022 Results

#8 - 90-72, 2nd in AL West, WILD CARD, lost in ALDS

Highest WAR (Position) - Julio Rodriguez

Highest WAR (Pitcher) - Logan Gilbert

The drought is over!  The Mariners made the playoffs in 2022 for the first time since their 116 win season in 2001.  They may not have done it the way it was expected though.  They rode the back of their young superstar Julio Rodriguez, who won Rookie of the Year and finished 7th in MVP voting.  Before the 2022 season started, everyone was talking about the impact Jesse Winker would have on the offense, but it was the forgotten part of that trade, Eugenio Suarez, that became a leader of the team.  A Trade Deadline deal, again with the Reds, that brought in starter Luis Castillo revamped the starting rotation and made them a dangerous team in the postseason.  Despite being swept in the ALDS, they were really the only team that gave the Astros any fits in the playoffs.

Additions / Subtractions

Even though Jerry DiPoto has garnered the reputation of being extremely active in roster tweaks, this offseason was comparatively somewhat quiet.  Two main trades defined the offseason for the Mariners.  They brought in outfielder Teoscar Hernandez from the Blue Jays for reliver Erik Swanson to replace the departing Mitch Haniger.  They also ended the Jesse Winker experiment by trading him and Abraham Toro to the Brewers for second baseman Kolten Wong to replace the departing Adam Frazier.  One free agent signing was bringing in veteran outfielder A.J. Pollock.

Most Important Hitter

Ty France

Although Julio was the headline grabber last season, in a lot of ways Ty France was the one that helped keep this lineup moving for the Mariners.  He is one of those players that just knows how to hit.  This earned him his first All Star appearance in 2022.  However, an elbow injury mid-season threw off his swing and timing the rest of the season, and France really struggled to have any production down the stretch.  If the Mariners are going to have a strong lineup, they need Ty France to hit the way he did before his injury.  If he is back to that level, this lineup will score runs.

Most Important Pitcher

Robbie Ray

The Mariners made a big free agency splash before the 2022 season by signing the reigning AL Cy Young winner, Robbie Ray, away from the Blue Jays.  In his first year in Seattle, Ray did not live up to the hype.  Still able to strike out a lot of batters, Ray's ERA+ fell from 157 in 2021 to league average 100 in 2022.  His standard ERA rose from 2.84 in 2021 to 3.71 in 2022.  His inconsistency forced the Mariners to trade for another ace mid-season, and he ended the season relegated to the bullpen in the ALDS and gave up a game-winning, back-breaking home run to Yordan Alvarez in Game 1.  It looks like he has made some changes in the offseason and is ready to have a better season.  The Mariners need him to be better to provide that right/left 1-2 punch at the top of the rotation.

Prospect to Watch

Bryce Miller

The Mariners quickly went from one of the best farm systems in baseball to one of the worst thanks to guys like Julio Rodriguez, Logan Gilbert, George Kirby, and Jarred Kelenic graduating from the list, then trading away a bunch of their depth in a variety of trades.  Only two players remain for the Mariners in the Top 100, with Bryce Miller (#98 on Top 100) being ready to impact the big league roster this season.  Miller is a 24 year old right-handed starter that may have had a chance to be a part of the rotation on Opening Day if not for the tremendous pitching depth in Seattle.  He will get his chance at some point this season though, and when he does, he might be the next great young arm in Seattle's arsenal.

2023 Prediction

2nd in AL West, WILD CARD, lose in ALCS

I don't know if the Mariners are ready to dethrone the Astros at the top of the division, but they showed last season that they are ready to compete with anyone in the postseason.  They are built to compete in the playoffs and will be a dangerous team in October.  My slightly skeptical fandom might be the only thing keeping me from putting them in the World Series, but they are definitely good enough to get there.

Fearless Prediction

Julio Rodriguez finishes in the top 3 in the MVP voting.

This might not feel like that fearless of a prediction.  A fearless prediction would be picking Julio to win the MVP.  However, when you remember that the American League also includes so many people you have to vote for out of principle, like the unicorn Shohei Ohtani, the best player in baseball Mike Trout, and the reigning MVP Aaron Judge, cracking the top 3 in MVP voting would be quite a feat.  Give Julio 5 years, and he will be the best player in baseball.