The Seattle Mariners are leading the AL West division with a 10-6 record.
That record is the second-best in the American League.
The Los Angeles Angels are right behind, at 10-7, and the 9-8 Oakland Athletics are surprisingly ahead of the 7-9 Houston Astros.
The Texas Rangers are last.
It’s still very early, but the Mariners are legit.
Their chances of making the 2022 postseason are very healthy.
“The @Mariners have had multiple postseason near-misses over the last 15 years, but two things are different now: They’re having a better April than in any contending season since ’03, and the expanded playoff format provides greater margin for error,” Jon Morosi of MLB Network tweeted.
The @Mariners have had multiple postseason near-misses over the last 15 years, but two things are different now: They're having a better April than in any contending season since '03, and the expanded playoff format provides greater margin for error. @SEASports710 @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) April 26, 2022
Morosi has a good point.
The Expanded Playoffs Give Seattle A Boost
Last season, five teams made the postseason, with two of them facing each other for the right to play in the Divisional Series.
This time, six teams per league are making it into October, increasing the M’s chances.
Additionally, they look like a better team than the one who won over 90 games last season and was at the doorstep of the playoffs.
Jarred Kelenic is a year older and more mature, Julio Rodriguez is also in The Show, they acquired two sluggers in Jesse Winker and Eugenio Suarez, and Mitch Haniger remains on the roster.
They are yet to hit their stride, but most of them will eventually produce.
On the pitching side of things, they signed the reigning AL Cy Young winner, Robbie Ray.
Their bullpen is also solid, and they are finally looking like a team that may be able to challenge the Astros for the divisional crown.
It’s very early to tell for sure, but the Mariners look like playoff contenders.
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