Seattle Mariners comprehensive 2021 team preview
2021 Seattle Mariner’s Bullpen
Closer – Rafael Montero
Rafael Montero looked terrible this spring. Especially on Monday during his last spring appearance. Before that outing, he just looked terrible. I’m not sure Rafael Montero is the answer, but other than Servais saying that he’s going to try different closers this season, he’s what we’re looking at for now.
2021 Projections: 33 saves, 5 blown saves, 4.03 ERA.
Setup – Keynan Middleton, Kendall Graveman, and Anthony Misiewicz
There will be a blending of bullpen responsibilities between setup and middle relief. If Nick Margevicius takes to the bullpen, he could find himself in a setup role instead of middle-to-long relief.
Although the days of the lefty specialist are fading fast, due to the three batter rule, there is still a need to mix things up in the bullpen. Anthony Misiewicz has looked amazing this spring and only gave up one run (on a solo shot). He could be the lefty answer Seattle needs in the bullpen. Kendall Graveman has found his velocity. Keynan Middleton has bullpen experience from his rookie year.
Overall the Seattle Mariners bullpen is revamped and should be much better than last year’s aberration.
Middle/Long Relief – Drew Steckenrider, Will Vest, Casey Sadler, and Nick Margevicius
The Mariners have James Paxton. That means that Margevicius should be ready to go at a moment’s notice for a missed start from Paxton (or any of our starters). Otherwise, he’s needed to keep things from getting out of control in the middle innings.
Rule 5 draft pick Will Vest is a curious addition to the roster and likely cost Erik Swanson a spot. Vest strikes batters out. That’s about it. His spring wasn’t very good, other than the strikeouts, and he’s nearly 26-years-old. Casey Sadler is 30-years-old, he doesn’t carry much value other than an arm to exhaust when the Mariners are down big to a team. He’s not a strikeout pitcher. Drew Steckenrider is a veteran arm to eat up innings when necessary.