Seattle Mariners bullpen in the middle of an overhaul
In for 2020
A few days before the season ended, Seattle claimed Ian Hamilton off waivers from the White Sox. A hard thrower, Hamilton could be an ideal setup man if he can harness the heater. In 12 innings pitched at the Major League level, Hamilton has a 4.50 ERA with nine strikeouts and seven walks. Before Chicago drafted him in 2016, Hamilton was a standout at Washington State.
Last Friday, the M’s claimed 29-year-old Domingo Tapia off waivers from Boston. He made his MLB debut on September 11 and finished the season in Beantown. Tapia pitched in five games, ending up with a 2.08 ERA over 4.1 innings.
What’s Next?
At this point, the Seattle Mariners filled 32 of their 40 roster spots. Mitch Haniger, Tom Murphy, and Andres Munoz still have to be activated from the injured list. Munoz hit triple digits on the radar gun in 2019 before he blew out his elbow. The reliever underwent Tommy John surgery in March. After some tune-up work in the minors, he could be in Seattle’s bullpen by mid-2021.
There are five more players in the system Seattle must protect on the 40-man roster. If not, the Mariners expose them to the Rule 5 draft. Outfielder Taylor Trammell headlines the list, which also includes relievers Sam Delaplane and Wyatt Mills, starter Juan Then, and third baseman Joe Rizzo. At the least, Seattle protects three of them. So, somewhere between 38 to 40 roster slots will be filled.
The free agent signing period begins in a few days. Mariners GM Jerry DiPoto knows he has to pick up some quality pitching for next season. It won’t be a surprise to see relievers Walker Lockett, Casey Sadler, and/or Brandon Brennan on the waiver wire in the next few months to make room for a few more additions.
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