The Seattle Mariners haven't been to the playoffs since 2001. They have arguably the best pitcher in the world in Felix Hernandez and three formidable bats in the lineup; Robinson Cano, Nelson Cruz, and Kyle Seager. But the Mariners, who are responsible for introducing Ken Griffey Jr., Randy Johnson, Alex Rodriguez, and Ichiro Suzuki to the world, an organization that tied the regular season record with 116 wins in 2001, are simply a team now aging, in a desperate need to sip, or chug, from baseball's fountain of youth.

However, entering the 2016 season, the Mariners have gotten a bit younger. And despite past years of uncertainty at shortstop, they commence a new campaign with a look at their potential future infielder.

Editor's note: Be sure to check out our 2016 fantasy baseball rankings tool, which is already loaded up with lots of great articles. Aside from staff rankings and ADP analysis across all positions, we also dig into MLB prospect rankings, and dynasty/keeper rankings as well.

2015 In Review

2015 kicked off with a shortstop battle between Brad Miller and Chris Taylor, but the competition was cut short when Taylor fractured a bone in his wrist during a Cactus League game in March. Upon the start of the season, the starting position slipped through Miller's fingers, who was moved to a predominantly utility role once Taylor was recalled after hitting .311 for Class AAA Tacoma. But Taylor stumbled too, batting only .159 in 20 Major League games, and was shipped back down to the minors. And in the minors, Ketel Marte was tearing it up with his .343 average and 17 stolen bases; Seattle's young and unproven shortstop.

Despite a delayed arrival to the Show because of a broken thumb, Marte received the call at the end of July. Robinson Cano had been dealing with an abdominal strain, later revealed as a hernia, and the Mariners were in need of some serious middle infield relief.

Marte wasted no time providing just that, collecting four hits during his first two games starting at second base. The Mariners experimented with Marte in centerfield; a trial and error that combusted when Marte struggled to track down balls hit into the gap and failed to run the proper routes in the outfield. Marte didn't find his home until he was moved to shortstop for good, where he showed exceptional range for someone who had never been known for his glove.

Marte impressed at the plate as well, finishing his first stint in the Majors with a .283 average, eight stolen bases, and 14 doubles in 57 games played (219 at-bats). The 22-year-old switch-hitter batted .289 in August and .292 in September, while posting a solid .314 average with runners-on-base and a .325 average with runners in scoring position.

2016 Outlook

Before labeling Marte as the future, we will still need to see him sustain that type of production for an entire season, and not solely two months. His 10% base on ball rate from last season is deceiving considering how often he jumps on the first or second pitch. He often swung at quite a few pitches out of the zone, but since he is such a good contact hitter and has remarkable speed, was able to turn weak ground balls into base hits.

It's difficult to predict a performance based off of 57 games, but learning from and playing alongside Cano, Marte's ceiling is high entering his first full season as the starting shortstop for the Mariners. A combination of power, speed, and range, Marte's potential invites fantasy consideration for the young infielder. Our experts at RotoBaller have him ranked 14th overall among fantasy shortstops and he deserves a late round look in deeper mixed leagues.

The last time the Mariners fielded an unproven player from the get go, Yuniesky Betancourt patrolled the infield and was fairly better at the plate than he was with his glove. Marte's undeniable speed and ability to hit from both sides of the plate efficiently is enough to believe that he holds sleeper value. Likely to bat seventh in the Mariners underachieving lineup, Marte should see an increase in RBI opportunities with the aforementioned sluggers setting the table in front of him.

Conclusion

Marte will likely fall into the repeated, notorious sophomore-slump at times throughout the season as he still adjusts to the diversity of Major League pitching, but his stolen base and extra base hit totals should jump. In the midst of predicted setbacks and growing pains, Marte will be a player to watch this season and add some much needed energy and athleticism to a sluggish Seattle dugout.

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