The 2021 season was once a thrilling one for the Seattle Mariners.
Even if the group neglected the playoffs, it was once a a laugh journey, and there have been a large number of certain tendencies alongside the best way.
The Mariners gained 90 video games and proved to the league that they want to be taken significantly going ahead.
Other people in Seattle are hoping that 2022 would be the 12 months through which the Mariners finish their long playoff drought, and if the dominoes fall the precise means, that may simply occur.
Sooner than the MLB lockout went into impact, the Mariners made some notable splashes, with the largest one being a deal for lefty ace Robbie Ray.
Reigning AL Cy Younger winner Robbie Ray and the Seattle Mariners are finalizing a five-year, $115 million contract with an opt-out after the 3rd season, resources aware of the deal inform ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) November 29, 2021
Seattle had a mediocre rotation within the 2021 season (4.30 body of workers ERA), however with Ray within the image, 2022 can be a other tale.
At the back of Ray, the Mariners will most probably give rotation spots to Logan Gilbert, Chris Flexen, Marco Gonzales.
That makes 4 starters, however what a couple of 5th?
That’s the place Justin Dunn will have to input the dialog.
Dunn Merits To Get started The Season In The Rotation
Dunn’s time within the majors hasn’t been flawless since his 2019 debut, however after his 2021 marketing campaign, it’s protected to mention he’s trending in the precise course.
Over his first 14 profession begins (which got here all the way through the 2019 and 2020 seasons), he pitched to a 4.13 ERA, 6.44 FIP and six.9 BB/9.
In 2021, he confirmed indicators of growth in all nearly each and every division, together with the types proven above.
For starters, he pitched to a cast 3.75 ERA.
He additionally introduced his FIP all the way down to 4.74 and took a step ahead along with his command, issuing nearly two fewer walks according to 9 innings than he did over the primary two seasons of his profession.
On best of all of that, his moderate fastball pace were given a pleasant bump.
Take into account that, that’s a super signal.
Justin Dunn, 94mph Fastball (foul) and 81mph Slider (Sword/Ok), Overlay. percent.twitter.com/QpEvgGOYwu
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) April 15, 2021
Moreover, Dunn made 11 begins within the 2021 season and allowed 3 runs or fewer in 10 of them.
That claims so much about his skill to stay his group in video games.
Sadly, Dunn’s 2021 marketing campaign was once minimize brief because of damage, however earlier than that came about, he confirmed the Mariners a large number of just right issues.
He’s surely taking main strides ahead as his profession progresses, and Seattle shouldn’t forget about that.
The Boston School product is best 26 years outdated and is simply getting began on the MLB degree.
The Mariners want to be affected person with him earlier than creating a rash choice about what his position will have to be.
When all is claimed and completed, perhaps his long-term are compatible gained’t be as a starter, but it surely’s too early to mention that now.
He wishes extra time within the rotation.
How Does A Ray/Gilbert/Flexen/Gonzales/Dunn Workforce Glance On Paper?
If the Mariners do make a decision to position Dunn of their rotation to start out the 2022 season, their body of workers will most probably glance one thing like this (in no explicit order):
- Ray
- Gilbert
- Flexen
- Gonzales
- Dunn
For a group with playoff aspirations, would that body of workers be capable to get the activity completed over the process a 162-game common season?
Let’s check out how each and every participant carried out in 2021.
- Ray: 2.84 ERA, 154 ERA+, 3.69 FIP, 1.05 WHIP (gained AL Cy Younger)
- Gilbert: 4.68 ERA, 89 ERA+, 3.73 FIP, 1.17 FIP (as a rookie)
- Flexen: 3.61 ERA, 115 ERA+, 3.89 FIP, 1.25 WHIP
- Gonzales: 3.96 ERA, 105 ERA+, 5.28 FIP, 1.17 WHIP
- Dunn: 3.75 ERA, 111 ERA+, 4.74 FIP, 1.31 WHIP
Whilst there are unquestionably extra intimating rotations within the majors, that five-man body of workers doesn’t glance too shabby in any respect.
There are some wild playing cards in there, however while you’re a company exiting a rebuild, there all the time shall be.
The Mariners shall be a captivating group to look at in 2022.
