We all know the Seattle Mariners season did not go as planned. Better yet, the last two seasons did not go as planned. Players have no preformed up to standards on the offensive side of the ball, and the front office has made some questionable decisions.
It turns out that they young star, Julio Rodriguez, has been vocal about some of the moves the Mariners should and shouldn't make this offseason. He had some suggestions for Jerry Dipoto and this Mariners front office.
In a recent conversation with Adam Jude of the Seattle Times, he has stated that he does not want any members of the team's starting rotation to be traded, a sentiment he has held since 2023. While many teams would undoubtedly be in the market for one of these prized assets, Rodriguez believes they are a necessary condition for success.
“They keep us in the game," he said "They keep us in the game every single time. What I would like to see, and feel like what everybody would like to see, is just more support for them.”
via Sodo Mojo: "Few teams has as stark of a contrast between their position players and pitching staffs. While the Mariners .687 team OPS was 22nd in MLB, their combined 3.49 ERA was tied for first with the Braves. Furthermore, Seattle led all of MLB in WHIP (1.08), BB/9 (2.32) and K/BB (3.84). If they choose to retain all of their starters, could they instead deal from their bullpen?
Relievers don't hold nearly the same trade value as starters for obvious reasons but a handful of them and/or other pitching prospects could get a deal done. Collin Snider pitched to a 1.94 ERA over 41 2/3 innings and has several years of team control remaining. JT Chargois was effective with both the Marlins and Mariners, posting a cumulative 2.23 ERA over 36 1/3 innings."
It looks like at the end of the day, Julio Rodriguez believes what many of us believe, do not break up this legendary pitching staff.
Not sure if he talked about the bats, which is in part his fault too, but I would hope the Mariners could gain same offense without having to give up this pitching.
Looking back the Mariners had a lot of mistake last year giving up some guys like Eugenio Suarez and Teoscar Hernandez, who both would've the best batters on this Mariners team most likely.
Only time will tell, but hopefully this ownership group actually gives the Mariners front-office a chance to spend some money, at least more than usual, and make an impact move this offseason.
We are all begging them for it to happen, and it looks like Julio Rodriguez is part of the 'we.'