Seattle Mariners 2020 Review/2021 Preview – Middle Infield
Ty France, Seattle Mariners.
Mr. Versatility locks in
Dylan Moore played almost everywhere this season. As mentioned above, he’ll be Crawford’s fill in at shortstop. That’s if he has time. Moore will likely be the Mariners starting second baseman next season (unless Kyle Seager is traded). The utility man hit .255 with a team-high .855 OPS (over 120 at-bats). He also led the team with 12 stolen bases and finished third in doubles (9) and home runs (8).
The season ended for Moore on September 22. He was placed on the seven-day concussion protocol, injured list after being hit in the head with a pitch the previous night. That was the second time Moore was beaned with a 90+ miles-per-hour fastball within in a week.
The New Guy
Ty France, acquired from San Diego in the Austin Nola trade, was a big surprise. Since arriving on September 4, he played almost every day, primarily at second base or designated hitter. France proved himself at the dish, posting a .302 batting average and .815 OPS.
The long ball wasn’t there for France. He only had two home runs in 86 Seattle at-bats. Don’t be concerned about the lack of homers; he had five doubles for the M’s this year and has the potential to be a 20 HR per season hitter.
France isn’t known for his defense, which is why he should be the Seattle Mariners primary DH in 2021. Then again, if DiPoto can move Kyle Seager, Moore would slide over to third, and France will play second base.