A New Year, A New Mariners? What To Expect In 2017

It’s 2017 now and the Mariners have been quiet on the transaction front. Here’s an update of where they sit with their current roster.

It’s 40 days until Mariners pitchers and catchers report to Peoria for spring training. So, where exactly does this team stand with the acquisitions made thus far?

November was a busy month for Jerry Dipoto, acquiring veteran catcher Carlos Ruiz from the Dodgers, Danny Valencia from the Athletics and then Jean Segura and Mitch Haniger from Diamondbacks. December had a few moves too, bringing in Marc

December had a few moves too, bringing in free agent, Marc Rzepczynski, and trading for the Giants, Chris Heston.

Now, into the new year, we await Dipoto to make a few more moves before we feel comfortable giving the M’s the nod as a serious playoff contender.

Right now, the potential defensive depth chart looks pretty solid after the offseason additions with a good mix of athleticism and veteran presence.

Here’s how the breakdown at each position looks:

C: Mike Zunino, Carlos Ruiz

INF: Daniel Vogelbach (1B), Danny Valencia (1B), Robinson Cano (2B), Jean Segura (SS), Kyle Seager (3B), Shawn O’Malley (Util)

OF: Leonys Martin (CF), Seth Smith (RF), Mitch Haniger (RF), Ben Gamel, Guillermo Heredia

With the offense about ready to go, any substantial moves made in the next few weeks before spring training begins will very likely be adding pitching depth to the roster.

Starting Rotation: Felix Hernandez, Hisashi Iwakuma, James Paxton, Ariel Miranda/Nate Karns/Chris Heston

Bullpen: Edwin Diaz, Steve Cishek, Marc Rzepczynski, Evan Scribner, Tony Zych, Dan Altavilla, Nate Karns

Before the holidays, there had been rumors of the Mariners possibly adding Jason Hammel or even former Mariner Doug Fister. The addition of one of those arms would give us a slightly above average rotation –both would put the Mariners over the top.