Seattle Mariners: What’s the deal with Mitch Haniger?
Chris Phillips
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What to do with Mitch in 2021?
We don’t live in a vacuum. So, where does this glut of outfield talent realistically leave Haniger? The two most logical scenarios are slow-play or trade. I’ll give you a tease; the Haniger trade will be in an article about the M’s filling their need for an ace. Here is what is most likely to happen with Haniger.
Per Shannon Drayer, “It’s an encouraging update after Haniger sat out of the condensed 2020 campaign following a second core surgery and a back operation. He hasn’t appeared in a major league game since June 6, 2019, but Dipoto sounded cautiously optimistic in speaking with Seattle’s 710 ESPN on Tuesday that the 29-year-old outfielder will be a contributor at the beginning of next season. Haniger holds a career .827 OPS (125 OPS+) and has averaged 29 homers and eight steals for every 162 games played since breaking into the bigs in 2016.”
Scott Servais will take things slow with Haniger. The returning veteran likely starts the year as the Seattle Mariners designated hitter. Once he’s up to speed at the plate, Haniger will work his way into the permanent right field job. My “way too early” prediction on the 2021 opening day lineup is as follows:
- C- Tom Murphy
- 1B- Evan White
- 2B- Ty France
- SS- J.P. Crawford
- 3B- Kyle Seager
- LF- Dylan Moore
- CF- Kyle Lewis
- RF- Phillip Ervin
- DH- Mitch Haniger
While this lineup won’t be confused with the powerhouse Yankees or Dodgers, it should be good to start the year. Great getting Haniger’s productive bat back in the lineup makes it that much better. Having Lewis and Haniger batting back to back will lengthen the lineup. There is still the possibility that Haniger breaks spring training as the starting right fielder moving Ervin to a defensive replacement play. This will be the best-case scenario and allow Servais to get creative with the opening day roster. The future is bright for the Seattle Mariners, and I, for one, am excited to see MEEEETCH back playing.
Where do you think Mitch Haniger fits in with the rebuilding Seattle Mariners? Let us know in the comments section below or on social media.