Seattle Mariners: Answering 3 “What-Ifs” for 2022
The lockout continues to dampen the hot stove. So PNWS looks at some interesting “what if” scenarios involving the Seattle Mariners in 2022.
As negotiations continue between Major League Baseball and the Players Association drag on, teams can’t carry on with business as usual. That means the Seattle Mariners (and every other MLB team) can’t process trades, free agent signings, or transactions with players on the 40-man roster.
Fans can still talk about baseball. Coming off a 90-win season and near playoff appearance, the Seattle Mariners rebuild is about over and the next phase, contending for the championship, is underway. M’s fans have questions about the upcoming season. The are plenty of scenarios in play and we take on three of them today.
What if Kyle Lewis and/ or Evan White come back better than they were before their injuries?
What a great predicament for manager Scott Servais and GM Jerry Dipoto.
Kyle Lewis
Let’s start with Kyle Lewis. Before his knee injuries, last season, K-Lew was trending toward a 25-30 home run and 80+ RBI per season player. There isn’t a team in baseball that wouldn’t want that kind of production in their lineup.
Even though Lewis is the team’s best defensive center fielder, he would see increased time at DH. Servais has to rest him more often to cut down on the wear and tear. An outfield of Mitch Haniger, Lewis, and a rapidly improving Jarred Kelenic with Jake Fraley as the alternate is very formidable.
In 2022, Seattle has more “bats” in the lineup to protect him. That means teams can’t pitch around him like they did his rookie year. M’s fans saw what Lewis could do when he’s locked in.
Evan White
Evan White‘s defense at first base is unquestioned. His presence makes everybody in the infield better. That’s not a knock on Ty France, who was excellent there last season after White’s injury.
But how many times have Seattle Mariners fans wished that Evan White could hit his weight (220) instead of 50 or more points below it? What would the M’s have then?
For the sake of argument, the .220 batting average, 20 home run version of Evan White shows up at spring training this year (hopefully with fewer strikeouts). That guy gets a starting job. France can move to second or third base to keep his bat in the lineup. Abraham Toro and Adam Frazier can alternate at the other spot.
White still has four years, $19.4M left on his contract. The way he hit his first two seasons, White has no trade value. If he can hit .220, the Dipoto has something to work with (depending on how much money the M’s kick in).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sb85B02h2Ww