The Seattle Mariners are hoping to get back to the playoffs in 2024.
After a disappointing finish to their 2023 season, Seattle found themselves on the outside looking in at a playoff berth.
One of the reasons the Mariners struggled late in the season was their bats went cold.
Julio Rodriguez is the Mariners’ best player but he struggled over the final month of the year.
He batted .227 in September and October but he should not be the only one to blame.
The Mariners need to put more impact players around Rodriguez.
He should once again be one of the best players in the sport but he cannot carry the Mariners to the playoff alone.
So far this offseason, it appears the Mariners have not done much to improve their team.
According to MLB Network, the team’s projected lineup for next season is not daunting.
Outside of Rodriguez, the Mariners do not have a hitter that opposing pitchers will fear.
Thoughts on the new-look Mariners lineup? 📝 pic.twitter.com/fCbepszhsc
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) January 8, 2024
On paper, this is not the lineup of a playoff team.
Especially when the Mariners have to play in the AL West with the Houston Astros and Texas Rangers.
The Mariners’ newest additions were Mitch Haniger and Luke Raley.
Neither player is going to move the needle enough to put the Mariners ahead of their division foes.
Luckily for Seattle, there are plenty of good players left in free agency.
It would be smart for them to be aggressive in trying to add another impact bat.
If not, they might find themselves out of the playoffs once again.
NEXT: Analyst Illustrates How Julio Rodriguez Is In A Tier Of His Own