Seattle Mariners comprehensive 2021 team preview
2021 Seattle Mariner’s Bench
The bench and who’s on it is a different set-up than the projected line-up.
Catcher – Luis Torrens
Torrens is involved in a 45-55 percent split with veteran Tom Murphy. This means that he’s going to get plenty of playing time compared to most backup backstops.
Catcher is a position where the Mariners have some decent depth, especially with powerful Cal Raleigh waiting in the wings. That said, Torrens projects to get close to 300 plate appearances, should Murphy stay healthy all season.
Outfield – Jose Marmelejos, Jake Fraley, Sam Haggerty, Braden Bishop
Jake Fraley is a true outfielder, but Sam Haggerty and Jose Marmolejos have value as utility players in the outfield and select infield spots. The door to some great versatility. That way, Seattle can get the right match-ups against opposing pitchers.
Eventually, it would seem that Taylor Trammell would occupy one of these bench positions, but for now, these are the three. One of them could rack up some tolls between Tacoma and Seattle. Bishop has been relegated to the Alternate Site, meaning he’s available to join the roster at a moment’s notice.
Infield – Jose Marmolejos, Sam Haggerty
Marmolejos will play some first base throughout the season; Haggerty can man the middle-infield. Because of the lineup’s versatility, some configuration of Dylan Moore, Ty France, and Haggerty could occupy second base and sometimes shortstop (Moore and Haggerty).