Chasing The Storm 2042-6: Looking Ahead

[njherdfan]

In many ways, the Seattle Storm are like a restaurant that serves terrible food in large portions. There are no major pieces from Seattle's lineup or rotation that will be hitting free agency after this season. However, Seattle went 66-96 in what was a complete disaster of a season. Maybe it wouldn't be the worst thing in the world if a bunch of Seattle's players were headed for free agency? Either way, Seattle will make do with what it has. With that said, let's take a look at some of Seattle's players who will be free agents, and what Seattle might look to do this offseason.

Perhaps Seattle's most notable upcoming free agent is Jose Estrada, who was signed to a 1-year deal last offseason. Seattle signed Estrada in the hopes that he would add some power against right-handed pitching, which he did. Unfortunately for Seattle, he did almost nothing else. While Estrada did hit 28 home runs, he had an OPS of .734 and was worth -0.4 WAR. I think it's fair to say that Seattle fans won't be too upset to see him leave. Shotaru Kawamaru will also be a free agent this offseason. While he was adequate in relief this season, he was certainly nothing special and it's fair to say that his departure, if it happens, will be quickly accepted by Seattle's faithful.

Turning now to Seattle's plans for the offseason, it seems clear the the top priority will be helping the starting rotation. After Hector Marquez, it's fair to wonder if anyone can really be counted on to provide quality innings. Without a competent rotation, Seattle really has no hope of competing at any point in the future. If you squint, Seattle has the making of an acceptable lineup if things break right next season, but it's clear to all observers that wholesale changes will be needed on the mound for Seattle to improve. It will be interesting to see what Seattle can do, and if this will be a multi-year project.

[usnspecialist]

to be fair to Estrada, he was perfectly useful against righties but he had absolutely no business ever facing a left handed pitcher, much less doing so nearly 200 times.