Mariners 2021 Outlook

• 🎯 The Seattle Mariners are projected as baseball's #23 team, with a potential ceiling of finishing third in the AL West.
• 📈 Despite finishing 27-33 in 2020, the team is seen as having improved by adding pitching depth and retaining key players.

Roster Additions and Departures

• ⚾ Key departures include D. Strange-Gordon, Hirano, Phil Berg, and Tim Lóves.
• 🚀 Notable additions include James Paxton returning to the rotation, Rafael Montero as closer, and Ken Giles (though injured for the season).
• 🛠️ Pitching depth was a focus, with additions like Chris Flexen, Kenyon Middleton, and Robert Duggar.

Projected Lineup and Rotation

• 💥 The projected lineup features players like Tom Murphy (C), Evan White (1B), Dylan Moore (2B), J.P. Crawford (SS), Kyle Seager (3B), Jose Marmolejos (LF), Kyle Lewis (CF), Mitch Haniger (RF), and Ty France (DH).
• 🌟 The starting rotation includes Marco Gonzales, James Paxton, Justus Sheffield, Yusei Kikuchi, Justin Dunn, and Nick Margevicius, with Chris Flexen also in contention.
• 🤝 The bullpen is bolstered by Rafael Montero and Kenyon Middleton.

Key Player Analysis

• 🌟 Kyle Seager is highlighted as a model of consistency, a strong lefty bat, and a valuable player despite potentially being a trade piece.
• 🏆 Kyle Lewis is recognized as a stud and Rookie of the Year winner, expected to continue his strong performance.
• 💪 Mitch Haniger is noted as a player the team needs to get back and healthy on the field.
• 🤔 Evan White's performance is a question mark, with expectations for him to improve on his previous year.
• 📈 Justus Sheffield showed tangible improvement by changing his pitch mix, offering hope for his future.

Prospect Watch and Future Outlook

• 🌟 Top prospects like Julio Rodriguez and Kelenic are generating excitement, with Rodriguez being highly ranked.
• 🔮 The Mariners are seen as a team that could make a significant jump in 2022 with free agent additions and prospect development.
• ⏳ The team has a long postseason drought (19 years), and there's hope for a competitive 2021 season that could lead to future success.

Over/Under Projection

• 📊 DraftKings has set the Mariners' over/under at 72.5 wins.
• ✅ The consensus among the hosts is to take the over, citing potential pitching strength, fan excitement, and the possibility of outplaying projections.
• 📉 One host expresses a contrarian view, taking the under due to past disappointments with Seattle fans and teams.