The Seattle Mariners understood, before the season, that they needed to build a dominant pitching staff if they wanted to return to the playoffs.
They made strides last season, but despite their 90-72 record, it became evident at one point that it just wasn’t their year.
2022, on the other hand, could very well be their year.
The Mariners have been able to build one of the game’s best rotations using several avenues.
That staff has been particularly effective in the last 20 games.
“The @Mariners starting rotation (Robbie Ray, George Kirby, Marco Gonzales, Logan Gilbert, Luis Castillo) has a 1.68 ERA over their last 20 games, setting a franchise record and surpassing a 1.69 ERA in 20 starts from Aug. 22-Sept. 19, 2001,” Mariners insider Alex Mayer tweeted.
The @Mariners starting rotation (Robbie Ray, George Kirby, Marco Gonzales, Logan Gilbert, Luis Castillo) has a 1.68 ERA over their last 20 games, setting a franchise record and surpassing a 1.69 ERA in 20 starts from Aug. 22-Sept. 19, 2001.
— Alex Mayer (@alexmayer34) September 15, 2022
If you can recall correctly, 2001 was the last year the Mariners went to the postseason.
A Truly Stellar Rotation
Take that as a beautiful coincidence or as a promising development if you want, because this rotation invites fans to dream about a deep playoff run.
We say the Ms have used “several avenues” to build their rotation because of the six pitchers who have been members at one point, two came over via trade, two were free agent signings, and two are homegrown.
It’s the perfect mix.
Seattle traded for Marco Gonzales in 2017 and for Luis Castillo in 2022.
They signed Chris Flexen a couple of years ago and Robbie Ray during the offseason.
And, they drafted and successfully developed Logan Gilbert and George Kirby.
All of them have an ERA under 4.00 this year with the Mariners.
With such a strong staff, this could be their year.
Watch out, because hope is brewing in Seattle as we speak.
NEXT: Luis Castillo Continues His Must-See Run In Seattle