Seattle Mariners Slip 2 Spots In MLB Power Rankings

What's the current situation revolving around Seattle? Grant Brisbee of The Athletic offers a big-picture look at the situation that the Mariners find themselves in right now.

"The Mariners didn’t do much to address their offensive woes in the offseason, getting Donovan Solano and Miles Mastrobuoni and little else," Brisbee wrote. "Their biggest offseason acquisition might have been Rowdy Tellez, both literally and figuratively, but he’s since been designated for assignment.

Cal Raleigh's great season is playing a big part in keeping Seattle Mariners in the hunt

"If you pointed this out before the season, nobody was going to retort with, “Oh, yeah? Well, maybe Big Dumper hits 60 homers this season, you ever think about that?”" Brisbee wrote. Seattle fans, of course, know that "Big Dumper" is Raleigh's nickname.

"It’s a valid response now, though, as Raleigh’s nonsensical power surge is carrying the Mariners and single-handedly keeping them relevant in the division," Brisbee wrote. "They’ll need others besides Raleigh (and J.P. Crawford) to contribute, but the biggest reason the Mariners still have a shot at winning the AL West is a catcher doing things that catchers shouldn’t do."

Raleigh is currently hitting .278 with 32 home runs and 68 RBIs. The Mariners' offense revolves around him. As Brisbee pointed out, though, Seattle needs more from his teammates.

Tellez was supposed to provide a big bat for the Mariners' offense. Obviously, that did not work out. Seattle stormed to the AL West lead early this season, only to see it gone after some losses piled up. Guess who's back leading the division again? None other than the Houston Astros.

For the Mariners to keep pace, Seattle manager Dan Wilson needs to get a functional lineup out on the field every game. It's going to take some work for Seattle to get the job done this season.