Seattle Mariners on Track to Make Unfortunate Strikeout History

The Seattle Mariners have been a completely underwhelming offense in 2024, thanks to a potentially history-making strikeout rate.

Seattle Mariners second baseman Jorge Polanco (7) reacts after striking out against the Toronto Blue Jays during the second inning at T-Mobile Park on July 7. / John Froschauer-USA TODAY Sports

As the Seattle Mariners enter play on Tuesday, they do so with one of the most frustrating offenses in all of baseball. The M's, who currently lead the American League West because of excellent starting pitching, just left 15 runners on base in a disappointing loss against the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday.

They've lost six series in a row and now only lead the division by two games over the rival Houston Astros.

The main contributors to the M's disappointing offensive performance this year has been the inability to get the big hit with runners in scoring position, and the proliferation of strikeouts up-and-down the lineup.

In fact, according to Mariners' Insider Luke Arkins, the M's are on pace for the highest strikeout percentage ever in a single season.

The #Mariners are currently on track to have the highest strikeout rate of any team, ever.

At season’s end, I’d be inclined to remove 2020 teams from the list due to small sample size.

The #Mariners are currently on track to have the highest strikeout rate of any team, ever.

At season’s end, I’d be inclined to remove 2020 teams from the list due to small sample size. pic.twitter.com/e580pUCZk8

— Luke Arkins (@luke_arkins) July 8, 2024

Arkins also later added that the MLB strikeout rate is 22.2 percent this season. The Mariners have 10 pseudo-regular players that are running a strikeout rate above that number. Jorge Polanco (33.6) and Cal Raleigh (32.9) have been among the most frustrating in that department.

Regardless of motive, the #Mariners *did* offload high-strikeout hitters last offseason. Unfortunately, several replacements and a few holdovers are K’ing a lot more than in 2023.

Urías, Polanco, Raleigh, Garver, Canzone, France have a 30.4 SO% and account for 41.4% of SEA PA’s. https://t.co/Epu4moRts5 pic.twitter.com/LTuNRluqR0

— Luke Arkins (@luke_arkins) July 8, 2024

The Mariners will begin a quick two-game series on Tuesday night against the San Diego Padres. All-Star Logan Gilbert will start for Seattle while Adam Mazur pitches for San Diego. Gilbert is 5-5 with a 2.91 ERA while Mazur is 1-2 with a 7.52.

First pitch is 6:40 p.m. PT.

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LOGAN THE ALL-STAR: Mariners pitcher Logan Gilbert was named to his first American League All-Star team on Sunday, joining George Kirby and Luis Castillo as rotation members to make the All-Star team. CLICK HERE:

CAL TAKES ACCOUNTABILITY: After another frustrating offensive performance on Sunday, catcher Cal Raleigh spoke up and took accountability for the Mariners woes offensively. CLICK HERE:

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