Seattle Mariners: Predicting the M's 2015 Lineup

Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

These predictions are based on the Mariners organization and do not include any trades and or signings. Obviously the M’s will sign some FA’s and make trades before the 2015 season comes. 

I included four outfielders because there are a grip of guys I could see, and would like to see, but could not decide between.  Let me know in your comments who you think will be in our outfield come 2015.  

1B: Justin Smoak

Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

I know many fans are hoping the M’s can land Prince this offseason but I just don’t see it.  

2011 was a rough year for Smoak, between his dad’s passing and a few injuries; he never had a chance to prove what he can do with an entire MLB season.  He will turn 29 in 2015 and hopefully will be our solid middle-of-the-lineup one bagger now and in the future.    

2B: Dustin Ackley

Nick Laham/Getty Images

This is one is pretty obvious.  Ever since his call-up last season he has proven to be an excellent MLB player.  The ceiling is high on Dustin.  

SS: Nick Franklin

He has a good shot staying at SS and has great pop for a middle infielder. A young kid with a lot of time to develop and will be our shortstop soon.  He only turns 24 in 2015.

3B: Francisco Martinez

 

Coming over in the deal that sent Doug Fister to Detroit, Martinez’s defense could use some work but has a decent upside.  Francisco turns 25 in 2015.  

C: Tyler Marlette

This young man from Florida will only be 22 years old in 2015.  Catching prospects and the Mariners have not gotten along recently. And although this kid is raw, if he can get more disciplined at the plate he could be the backstop of the future for the M’s.  Marlette was 5^th round pick in this year’s draft. 

He could easily fizzle out but it sure would be nice to develop a successful catching prospect.  

Of: Guillermo Pimentel

If he can improve his approach at the plate his raw power could really shine through.  Tremendous upside for this kid and has plenty of time to improve.  He is only 19 years old.  

Of: Trayvon Robinson

Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

A Switch hitter coming over from the Dodgers, Robinson has a lot of upside but has to show that he can produce consistently.  

Of: Carlos Peguero

Jeff Gross/Getty Images

I really hope this guy can find some discipline at the plate, because I like watching him hit bombs.  Right now he looks silly at the plate.  If he can get it all figured out, and that’s a big if, he could be a great power threat in our lineup.  

Of: Vinnie Catricala

Scouts aren’t quite sure where he will fit defensively quite yet, but the outfield seems to make the most sense.  Vinnie has a ton of talent and only turns 27 in 2015.

DH: Mike Carp

Jason Miller/Getty Images

We all know what Mike can do based on the end of the 2011 season.  He turns only 29 in 2015 and could be our DH for a very long time.  

SP: Felix Hernandez

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

Some people would like to see him traded—not me.  I think the M’s will re-sign him when his contract is up after the 2014 season, because by then hopefully they will be contending.  

SP: Danny Hultzen

The Mariners picked Danny because of his readiness to make an impact at the Major League level.  He looked sharp in the Arizona Fall League and will be a solid SP for years to come.  

SP: Michael Pineda

Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

Michael had a good rookie season and will look to build on that in his sophomore year.  He turns 26 in 2015.

SP: James Paxton

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

With plus stuff from the left side, Paxton has the potential to be a top-end starter.  James will turn only 27 in 2015.  

SP: Taijun Walker

Scouts love this kid more and more every time I check in on him.  He’s a very athletic kid and looks like a future star.  Walker will turn only 23 in 2015.  

Closer: Stephen Pryor

At 6’4”, 235 lbs, Pryor is a big kid who throws hard.  His fastball can flatten out at times, and he needs to develop his slider a little more, but he has a good upside.  Closers are tough to predict and can pop up anywhere.  

In Closing

Jason Miller/Getty Images

Who knows if this will even be close to what the M's will look like in 2015.

That rotation seems realistic and pretty awesome as well.  Not to mention a nice little righty, lefty, righty, lefty, righty.  

Like I mentioned before, the Mariners will sign some free agents and will make trades in abundance before the 2015 season.  I just wanted to predict what they could look like if their prospects keep improving and their stars stay consistent.  

There are a number of others within the system who can make an impact.  Who do you think will be in Seattle come 2015?