The Mariners came into the 2022 season with a lot of hype that this would finally be the year that they break the curse and return to the playoffs for the first time since 2001. Not only that, but they were also the sexy pick to be the team that would dethrone Houston as the AL West representatives.
That sentiment is predicated on the M’s improved pitching, anchored by the signing of free agent Robbie Ray, and an offense that was expected to take a big step forward this season and features a number of up-and-coming young players.