Pitching uncertainties will be key
Five issues facing the Mariners:
How good is Kikuchi?
The Mariners made it clear they’re not entering a forever-rebuild mode by landing Yusei Kikuchi, 27, with a guarantee of at least $56.5 million over four years. He could ease into the role of staff ace.
The lefty posted a 2.69 ERA over seven seasons with Japan’s Seibu Lions and has drawn comparisons to the Washington Nationals’ Patrick Corbin. The key will be the condition of his shoulder.
Kikuchi’s peripherals in Japan also compare with St. Louis righty Miles Mikolas, who returned to Major League Baseball after a stint in Japan and won 18 games in 2018. If Kikuchi lands anywhere near Mikolas and Corbin, the Mariners will have made a very good deal.
What’s up with Encarnacion?
DH Edwin Encarnacion, 36, is due $26.6 million, including a $5 million buyout of a 2020 option, though the Tampa Bay Rays are picking up $5 million of that tab.
Encarnacion hit 32 home runs with Cleveland last season and hit 38 two seasons ago. But deleting Encarnacion would save the Mariners money and open up at-bats for younger players.
Jay Bruce could slide to DH, ensuring he doesn’t take playing time away from recently acquired outfielders Mallex Smith and Domingo Santana.
Though GM Jerry Dipoto’s overhaul was rapid, Seattle has several players with trade value.
It owes starter Mike Leake $40 million over the next three seasons, but the right-hander might be moved if the Mariners retain part of his salary. Lefty Wade LeBlanc is signed to a one-year deal with a pair of team-friendly options. Relievers Anthony Swarzak and Hunter Strickland could be flipped if they return to form.
Kyle Seager’s contract might ultimately be immovable, but a productive season could inspire the Mariners to send significant cash along with Seager to a contender needing a third baseman.
Wither King Felix?
Felix Hernanment.
dez, who has reached the end of his seven-year, $175 million extension, had his worst season in 2018. His ERA spiked to 5.55 and his WHIP to 1.40.
He went to the bullpen for one appearance, after which, Bleacher Report later reported, Hernandez considered retire- He righted himself briefly after the demotion but then posted a 6.23 ERA in three September starts.
If he breaks from the gate in similar fashion, the Mariners will have a quandary: Should they release the six-time All-Star and Cy Young Award winner or let him take his licks into the sunset?
Will anyone watch?
The 2018 Mariners won 89 games, their most since 2003, held onto first place into mid-June and lurked three games out as late as July 30. For all that, they received a modest attendance bump to nearly 2.3 million, the 11th consecutive year in which they drew fewer than 2.5 million fans.
Now the base will be faced with no Robinson Cano, Jean Segura, James Paxton or Edwin Diaz, no delusions of contending and a final season from a diminished Hernandez.