The Seattle Mariners' pitching staff faces high expectations following a stellar 2024 season. Their starting rotation led the league in quality starts, innings pitched, and featured four pitchers making 30 or more starts. Leading the charge was Logan Gilbert, who boasted a 3.23 ERA with 220 strikeouts in 208.2 innings over 33 starts, earning his first All-Star selection and finishing sixth in the AL Cy Young race.

Gilbert ranked in the top 10 for ERA and WHIP, prompting discussions about his Cy Young candidacy for 2025. His teammate Bryce Miller expressed confidence in Gilbert's abilities. The Mariners’ rotation includes several pitchers with promising Cy Young odds for the upcoming season; DraftKings lists Gilbert and fellow pitchers George Kirby, Luis Castillo, Bryce Miller, and Bryan Woo among the top candidates. The Mariners’ success hinges on this elite pitching core continuing to excel.

The Seattle Mariners' pitching staff remains a formidable force, boasting three All-Star starters: George Kirby, Luis Castillo, and Logan Gilbert. With up-and-coming talents like Bryan Woo and Bryce Miller, the team enjoys a wealth of options to build their rotation. The opening day starter debate is heating up, with Ryan Rowland-Smith advocating for Logan Gilbert, who had a standout season, finishing with a 3.23 ERA and 220 strikeouts in 2024. While Castillo, a respected veteran and the highest-paid pitcher, has held the role in previous seasons, Gilbert's impressive performance may earn him the nod for the 2025 opener against the Athletics.

Gilbert's 2024 season included making his first All-Star appearance and finishing sixth in the Cy Young voting, highlighting his potential as the ace of the staff. Rowland-Smith's comments draw parallels to historical decisions, such as Erik Bedard starting over Felix Hernandez in 2008. The competition between Gilbert and Castillo reflects the Mariners' depth, ensuring that regardless of the choice, the team is set up for success as they aim for the upcoming season.

The Seattle Mariners are entering spring training with minimal injury issues, a welcome relief from last season’s setbacks. Key reliever Matt Brash is on track for an April return following Tommy John surgery, while fellow pitcher Luis Castillo and reliever Gregory Santos are cleared to participate. However, the team encountered fresh injury concerns as reliever Troy Taylor was initially sidelined with a right lat strain. Fortunately, Taylor’s condition improved rapidly, allowing him to resume throwing just three days into spring training.

Taylor's impressive performance last season solidified his role in the Mariners' bullpen, posting a 3.72 ERA with 25 strikeouts in 19.1 innings. His return reduces the competition for bullpen spots, raising anticipation for who will step up alongside him and the rest of the Mariners' relievers in what promises to be an engaging spring.

The Seattle Mariners are gearing up for a promising 2025 season, buoyed by a standout starting rotation that recorded the most quality starts in the league and featured four pitchers with 30 or more starts last year. Each member of the rotation finished with an ERA below 3.70, setting high expectations for their encore performance.

Among the notable players is Bryce Miller, who has been named the 87th-best player in baseball by MLB Network, heading into his third Major League season. He achieved impressive stats in 2024, including a 2.94 ERA and 171 strikeouts across 180.1 innings, ranking in the top five for WHIP and opposing batting average.

Miller's diverse pitching arsenal, highlighted by a newly introduced cutter, promises even more effectiveness in 2025. His continued development, coupled with the established talent in the Mariners' rotation, points towards another elite season for the club's pitching staff.

The Baltimore Orioles have made notable strides this offseason, achieving over 90 wins for the second consecutive year and reaching the playoffs again in 2024. However, their postseason performances have raised alarms, as they failed to secure a win in both 2023 and 2024. With key players like Corbin Burnes and Anthony Santander leaving for other teams, the Orioles' front office is under pressure to bolster their roster, particularly in the starting pitching department.

The offseason strategy appears focused on identifying a No. 1 starter. Although the acquisition of Burnes last year was a strong move, losing him to free agency presents a significant challenge. Names like Jack Flaherty and Luis Castillo are in the mix as potential targets to fill this void, although the cost for Castillo may deter Baltimore from pursuing him. The team’s current rotation depth is promising, but without an ace, their chances of contending in the American League this coming season might be jeopardized.