The Mariners and General Manager Jerry Dipoto have been busy this offseason. Despite winning 89 games last season, the Mariners still found themselves missing the playoffs, extending their postseason drought to 17 years – that’s longer than any other American sports team (the next longest drought belongs to the Cleveland Browns who haven’t made a playoff appearance in 15 years). Dipoto has made it clear to the Mariners fans that this is going to be a rebuilding year through some of the moves he has made.

Dipoto has either “gotten rid of” or traded many of the older, veteran players for young prospects. One of the most notable deals sent second baseman Robinson Cano (ended 2018 batting .303 with 10 home runs and 50 RBIs through 80 games) and star closer Edwin Diaz (ended 2018 with a 1.96 ERA, 57 saves and 124 strikeouts) to the New York Mets for two of their veterans Jay Bruce and Anthony Swarzak, along with three young prospects, 19 year old outfielder Jarred Kelenic, 23 year old starting pitcher Justin Dunn, and 23 year old reliever Gerson Bautista.

Some of the other notable departures from the club were starting pitcher James Paxton (who threw a no hitter last May), shortstop Jean Segura, and catcher Mike Zunino.

Cameron Ley (‘19) was initially disheartened to hear the Mariners trading away so many starters from last years 89 win team. However, he eventually opened up to the moves once Jerry Dipoto dedicated the trades to a rebuild.

There’s no doubt that this year will be a rebuilding year with all the young “prospects” the Mariners obtained. With all the youngsters, the Mariners may once again miss the playoffs come October. But there will always be those few hopeful souls like Dylan Winkelman (‘21) who expects the Mariners to be contending for a playoff spot every season.