March 6, 2015
After barely missing out on the second American League Wild Card berth, the Seattle Mariners enter this season with playoff aspirations. Robinson Cano, who finished in the top five for American League MVP voting, was a welcomed addition after signing a lucrative ten-year, $250 million contract during the off-season. Seattle’s entire lineup benefited from the acquisition, but third baseman Kyle Seager may have been the biggest beneficiary. Seager enjoyed a breakout campaign as he hit a career-high 25 home runs. Knowing that its roster was a player or two away from playoff contention, management signed designated hitter Nelson Cruz to a four-year contract. Cruz enjoyed the friendly confines of Camden Yards last season by hitting a league-high 40 home runs. Even though he didn’t win the Cy Young Award, Felix Hernandez had a career year by finishing with a 15-6 record, posting a career-best 2.14 ERA, and earning 248 strikeouts. Hernandez has been baseball’s best pitcher for the last decade and can easily match-up against any opposing starter, but the rest of Seattle’s rotation will determine how far this team will go. Seattle’s young pitchers, namely James Paxton and Taijuan Walker, have elite upside. The AL West will be one of the most fascinating divisions to watch since there are no clear-cut favorites.
On TicketIQ, the average price on the secondary market for Mariners Opening Day tickets is $93.17 while the get-in price is $30. Seattle’s most expensive ticket price features a matchup against the San Francisco Giants on June 19. The average price on the secondary market is $139.56 while the get-in price is $35. Seattle’s season average ticket price is $86.34. That’s a 57% increase over last season’s secondary market average price. Fan optimism is clear on the ticket market.
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Given the star power on its roster, expectations are very high for the Seattle Mariners. Hernandez, Cano, and Cruz are the faces of the franchise while Seager, Walker, and Paxton provide potential young star power. Fans will enjoy the battles between Los Angeles, Oakland, and Seattle for division supremacy.
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