Seattle Mariners Fans on X Clamor For Team to Win American League West After Major Astros Trade

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The Houston Astros made a massive move on Friday, trading away superstar outfielder Kyle Tucker to the Chicago Cubs for a trio of players.
With that move, the Astros instantly got worse, as Tucker is one of the top hitters in all of baseball, armed with 30 homer, 100-RBI potential every season.
Fans of the Seattle Mariners were obviously happy to see Tucker go, as the idea of facing a middle of the order without him (and maybe Alex Bregman) is quite appealing. Seattle hasn't won the American League West since 2001 and fans on "X see this as the time to strike.
If you're the Mariners and you're seeing the Astros more or less admit 2025 is a step-back year for them, you should be punching the gas pedal through the floorboard.
— Ty Dane Gonzalez (@TyDaneGonzalez) December 13, 2024
Mariners have the best rotation, elite bullpen, top 5 farm, best catcher and elite Julio Rodriguez in CF. Make moves and get this done. Astros are selling off. Rangers are a mess. Bite the bullet, trade the farm, idc. No excuse not to win the West next season.
— Stan(ton) (@MainersPainLove) December 13, 2024
This is so huge for the Seattle Mariners.
— EastCoastM’s🔱 (@EastCoastMs_) December 13, 2024
Why?
Tucker has a .258 AVG, with 63 hits, 10 HR, and 37 RBI in 73 career games against the Mariners. AND HE’S NO LONGER IN THE DIVISION😎 https://t.co/rSGj7B5pqk
Though the Astros certainly stepped back toward the Mariners in the division, it's unclear if the M's can actually capitalize on it and take the West themselves. The Mariners have needs all over the field, needing to add someone at second base, third base and first base, but with only $15 million or so to get it done, it's not known how the M's can accomplish everything.
Furthermore, the Mariners may be forced into trading starting pitcher Luis Castillo to save money, which is something that would hurt their starting rotation, which is the fabric of the roster.
The M's went 85-77 this past season, missing the playoffs by one game. They haven't made the playoffs since the 2022 season and haven't gotten past the ALDS since the 2001 season.
The Astros, on the other hand, won the World Series in both 2017 and 2022, becoming one of the best-run franchises in the sport over the last decade.
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