The Mariners’ defining moment of ’22

This story was excerpted from Daniel Kramer’s Mariners Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.

SEATTLE — Though the Mariners’ ambitions of still being in the dance by playing in the World Series will have to wait another year, there’s no denying that despite an earlier-than-hoped-for exit, 2022 was a hugely successful season.

Here’s a look back on some of the highlights:

Defining moment: Ending the droughtThere were so many standout plays and performances that could’ve fit the bill here, but changing the narrative of the organization’s identity has to reside at the top. When Cal Raleigh crushed a walk-off homer on Sept. 30, it lifted a huge metaphorical weight off the shoulders of everyone from the home dugout to the front office to the longtime fans, snapping the longest active playoff drought in North American professional sports. The drama of the moment — bottom of the ninth, two outs, full count, packed ballpark — made it all the more special.

What we learned: They proved that they belongedWhat stood out most once the Mariners reached the postseason is that they proved they deserved to be there. This wasn’t a team that snuck in as a low-seeded Wild Card, then were overwhelmed and overmatched. No, they went into some of the game’s most hostile environments in Toronto and Houston and went blow for blow with two really good teams. Their issue in the ALDS was landing the knockout punch, which was why they were swept. But it was a far closer series than most in these playoffs.

Best development: The depth of their starting pitchingThe promising developments of George Kirby and Logan Gilbert as homegrown prospects who were among MLB Pipeline’s Top 100 showed the fruits of a top-ranked farm system. But signing Robbie Ray and then trading for Luis Castillo — and locking him up — put president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto in a strong position this offseason to not have to address the rotation, something he’s had to examine every winter since arriving seven years ago. It’s not just that the Mariners’ starting staff had depth — it was also that it proved to be one of the most consistent in MLB last season.

Area for improvement: The need for more offenseWhat stood out most in the postseason, and it was a continuation of their struggles in the regular season, was that the Mariners were at least one if not more bats short of going to the next level. They’re also going to have to replace right fielder Mitch Haniger, who when healthy has been one of their top run producers the past five years, as well as designated hitter Carlos Santana and second baseman Adam Frazier. Can they expect improvements from Jesse Winker, who was later revealed to have needed surgeries on his neck and knee, and Jarred Kelenic, who has mostly underwhelmed through parts of his first two seasons? Even if so, there’s no denying that Dipoto’s staff will need to add multiple impact bats this offseason.

On the rise: RaleighThe second-year catcher was a finalist at his position for Gold Glove and Silver Slugger Awards after he wowed his way to 27 homers and took huge ownership of navigating the pitching staff. Raleigh should be recovered from the torn UCL in his left thumb by Spring Training and will look to build on one of the best catching seasons in franchise history at the ripe age of 25.

Team MVP: Julio RodríguezCould it be anyone else? Rodríguez has been a mainstream name in Mariners and prospect circles for years, so for those who follow the team closely, it’s long been known he’d be a huge piece of the future. But even Dipoto and manager Scott Servais — not to mention the rest of his teammates — said they didn’t envision such a massive breakout so early in his career. Rodríguez finished the year with a .284/.345/.509 (.853 OPS) slash line, 28 homers, 75 RBIs and 25 stolen bases in 132 games, having missed roughly one month’s worth of play with various injuries. He doesn’t turn 22 years old until Dec. 29, putting him on a sky-is-the-limit trajectory as he eyes his second season.