Seattle Mariners: What’s the deal with Mitch Haniger?
Chris Phillips
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Competition for playing time
The situation has changed greatly since Haniger hit the injured list in 2019. Seattle’s top prospects list boasts a trio of highly-touted outfielders: Jarred Kelenic, Julio Y. Rodriguez, and Taylor Trammell. All three of them are under 25-years-old and laden with talent. Expect Trammell and Kelenic to make their respective Major League debut’s in 2021. Rodriguez is projected to make his debut the following year. However, depending on his recovery from a wrist injury as well as his production in the minors, Rodriguez could also get a call up to the show next summer.
Including Haniger and Lewis, that’s five outfielders for three starting outfield spots. There are several things to keep in mind:
- Not all prospects pan out.
- The Mariners can keep either Rodriguez or Trammell in the minors for another year.
- Seattle’s general manager is nicknamed “Trader Jerry” for a reason.
- Two of the outfielders are working their way back from injury.
- Best of all, having too much talent is a great problem.
As previously mentioned, Lewis is the M’s starting center fielder. Haniger was the starting right fielder before his injury. A healthy Haniger should eventually start there again. That leaves Kelenic and Trammell battling for the starting left field spot. Then there is the defensively steady Phil Ervin, not to mention Dylan Moore, who can flat-out hit and plays a decent corner outfield.