The goal of the 2018 Seattle Mariners is not to end their 16 year playoff drought. If the Ichiro signing proves anything, it is that which is stated above. They do not care. At least, not the people who sign the paychecks of Jerry Dipoto and company.
Would ownership like to win? Sure. There are a lot of benefits to making the playoffs, including an increase in ticket sales, generating interest in your product, and, of course, HAVING A CHANCE TO WIN A WORLD SERIES.
But to the Mariners, who are in the midst of a “slow burn rebuild”, the optimal strategy is not to overspend to make your team good.