After ending a 20-year playoff drought in 2022, the Seattle Mariners will miss the postseason for the second consecutive year, following a challenging season. The team, officially eliminated from playoff contention on Thursday, experienced a drastic collapse after leading the AL West by 10 games on June 18. This marks the third time in four years they’ve fallen short in the final days of the regular season.
During a press conference ahead of the team’s penultimate game, Jerry Dipoto, President of Baseball Operations, expressed his frustration at missing the playoffs once again. “It’s incredibly frustrating,” Dipoto said, noting that while the team has been good for four consecutive years, they have struggled to transition from being a good team to becoming a great one.
Pitching Dominance Overshadowed by Offensive Struggles
Seattle’s strength this season has been its young, talented pitching staff, which led the majors in ERA heading into the weekend. Unfortunately, their offensive struggles, particularly at the plate, have hindered their success. The Mariners’ lineup ranked among the worst in baseball in key offensive categories, prompting the dismissal of manager Scott Servais in August. Former Mariners catcher Dan Wilson stepped in, with Hall of Famer Edgar Martinez serving as the interim hitting coach. Since then, the offense has improved dramatically, ranking sixth in runs scored over the last five weeks.
Dipoto emphasized the team’s recent improvement, expressing renewed belief in the players: “We’ve played very well for the last five weeks… We’ve always believed in the foundation of this team.” However, he acknowledged that the team still needs to address certain areas during the offseason to build on this momentum.
Lessons from the Season and Offseason Focus
One of Dipoto’s key takeaways from the season was the need for the Mariners to adjust their hitting approach to suit T-Mobile Park’s pitcher-friendly environment. The team’s reliance on fly balls and pull-heavy hitting has not yielded consistent success, especially at home, where they averaged just 3.7 runs per game compared to 4.6 on the road. Under Martinez’s guidance, the Mariners adopted a more balanced approach, which Dipoto believes can help the team achieve more consistent offensive production.
Looking ahead, Dipoto stressed the importance of refining the team’s approach both on the field and in how the roster is built. “We learned where we may be doing things the wrong way… Hopefully, we’re able to adapt the lessons we’ve learned to building the ’25 team,” he said.
No Plans to Trade Pitching Talent
There has been speculation about whether the Mariners might trade one of their young pitchers to strengthen the lineup. However, Dipoto made it clear that this would be a last resort. “On the continuum of A to Z, that would be ‘Plan Z,'” he stated, emphasizing that the team’s pitching depth is a core strength.
Infield Upgrades a Priority
While the outfield, anchored by Julio Rodríguez and supported by Randy Arozarena, Victor Robles, and Luke Raley, is set, the infield remains an area of need. Shortstop J.P. Crawford is the only secure piece, leaving questions at second base, first base, and third base. The Mariners must decide whether to exercise Jorge Polanco’s $12 million option for next season, while also exploring potential upgrades around the diamond.
Veteran Leadership and Payroll Outlook
Dipoto highlighted the positive impact of veteran leadership, particularly from 39-year-old slugger Justin Turner, who was acquired at the trade deadline. Turner’s experience has been invaluable, drawing comparisons to Carlos Santana’s leadership in 2022. Dipoto noted that the right mix of players can elevate the team’s performance, and this offseason will be about building on that chemistry.
Regarding the Mariners’ payroll, Dipoto downplayed any concerns, suggesting the team’s financial situation is stable compared to last year. “I don’t think we’re going down [in payroll],” he said, indicating that while other teams may face financial challenges, the Mariners are in a better position heading into the offseason.
While this season may have ended in disappointment, Dipoto remains optimistic about the team’s future, confident that a few strategic adjustments can propel the Mariners back into contention.
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