Poll: Will the Mariners make the playoffs in 2017?
After his team missed the second wild-card spot by three games last season, Seattle Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto has spent the offseason making deals at a furious pace to improve his club.
On Wednesday, Dipoto made a pair of trades with the Atlanta Braves and Tampa Bay Rays that resulted in left-hander Drew Smyly and right-handed pitching prospect Shae Simmons coming to the Pacific Northwest.
In addition to both Smyly and Simmons, Dipoto has added Jarrod Dyson, Yovani Gallardo, Chris Heston, Marc Rzepczynski, Jean Segura, Danny Valencia, and Carlos Ruiz this offseason, while dealing away Seth Smith, Taijuan Walker, and Nathan Karns.
While the Mariners have improved, there will be plenty of competition in the AL West, as the Rangers will look to repeat as division champs, while the Astros have loaded up with one of the best offenses in baseball. The Angels and Athletics have also taken steps to improve their rosters this winter.
The Mariners haven't reached the postseason since 2001, but will this be the year they finally snap their drought?