Mariners' Sewald takes dig at Yankees: We don't have Judge or $35M arm

Seattle Mariners reliever Paul Sewald came away impressed by his team's series win against the New York Yankees, especially given the difference in roster construction and payroll.

"We don't have Aaron Judge on our team. We don't have a $35-million pitcher. But we have 26 guys that are all really good and all have a key part of this team," Sewald said after Wednesday's 4-3 victory, according to Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times. "And when they do their job, we end up winning more games than we're losing, and that's the key."

The Mariners had their highest-paid pitcher start the rubber match. Reigning AL Cy Young winner Robbie Ray, who's making $115 million over five years, went 6 1/3 innings and allowed two runs on three hits and five walks while striking out seven.

While Ray's $23-million-per-year contract is large for Mariners standards, it pales in comparison to Gerrit Cole's nine-year, $324-million deal, which Sewald is referring to.

Interestingly, the Yankees and their seemingly infinite payroll are in danger of watching Judge, the AL MVP front-runner, leave via free agency this winter. The prolific slugger, who rejected a $230-million offer before the campaign began, now leads the majors with 45 homers.

Despite lacking some star power, the Mariners find themselves in postseason contention. At 61-52, the club currently occupies the second AL wild-card spot, a half-game back of the Toronto Blue Jays.

Additionally, Seattle isn't without talent. Outfielder Julio Rodriguez, who's expected to return shortly from the injured list, is considered to be a strong candidate to win AL Rookie of the Year. Ty France, Eugenio Suarez, Logan Gilbert, George Kirby, Erik Swanson, and Andres Munoz, among others, are all also having impressive seasons.