2. Seattle Mariners break MLB’s longest postseason drought
The Mariners haven’t reached the playoffs since 2001. That’s the longest such drought in baseball by two years. Look for it to end in 2017.
Nelson Cruz and Robinson Cano anchor an offense that again figures to be one of the better in the American League. They’ll be aided by Kyle Seager as well as sneaky new additions Jarrod Dyson, Jean Segura and Danny Valencia.
Felix Hernandez may not be the pitcher that he once was, but he remains a legitimate ace. Hisashi Iwakuma, James Paxton, Drew Smyly and Yovani Gallardo round out a very solid starting rotation. Closer Edwin Diaz had a huge year in 2016, as well. He posted a 2.79 ERA and struck out more than 15 hitters per nine innings. The bullpen will only be better with him anchoring it for a full year.
The American League West is a strong division at the top. In includes a team that may well be the American League’s best (more on that later).
But the Mariners are deep in talent, as well. They should also rack up plenty of wins against the Angels and Oakland Athletics. If nothing else, Seattle figures to be good enough to be one of the junior circuit’s two wild card teams.