Mitch Haniger, Seattle Mariners.
If this sounds familiar, it’s only because Seattle Mariners fans have heard it since last season. No, it’s not about missing the playoffs. This is about saying goodbye to their longest-tenured player. In 2021, it was Kyle Seager. This season might very well be Mitch Haniger‘s last in the Emerald City.
His contract is up at the end of this season. When that date might be exactly is anyone’s guess. Hopefully, it won’t come until sometime in late October or early November.
If he goes, Haniger’s farewell won’t be nearly as emotional as Seager’s was. Seager was an institution in Seattle for over a decade.
However, it still will be a sad day. Haniger is a popular player with fans and teammates. He will also be a part of the Seattle Mariners team that broke the organization’s 21-year playoff drought.
Mitch is currently out with an injury. What a shocker. He’s been injured far too often during his time with the M’s.
Over the past four seasons, he’s played in only 59% of Seattle Mariners games. When Haniger plays 90 or more games in a season, he’s produced at an All-Star level. Well, at least an All-Star because every team needs someone.
Unfortunately, he’s had some serious injuries. And in some instances, freak ones too. The big injury in 2019 should happen to no man. These injuries have cost him long chunks of playing time. And, in some instances, an entire season.
Father time comes for everyone. As an athlete gets older, they don’t typically get healthier. Sometimes the best ability is availability.
Once again, Haniger’s contract with the Seattle Mariners is up after this season. They have the option to re-sign him and, considering their outfield, could use some help. In one way, it makes sense to bring him back.
It’s not like Jarred Kelenic or Taylor Trammell have done much to prove they are a viable option. Both have been unable to hit Major League pitching on anything that resembles a consistent basis.
Let’s not forget about 2020 American League Rookie of the Year Kyle Lewis. He’s a lot like Haniger, a player with a checkered injury history but productive when healthy.
Unfortunately, KLew hasn’t been anywhere near himself since Astros pitcher Jose Urquidy hit him in the head on May 28. Maybe an offseason of rest will do the trick, and Lewis can compete for a starting outfield spot in 2023. Then again, some players don’t come back from concussions.
After the Luis Castillo trade, the next J-Rod is not anywhere close to Major League-ready. Maybe someone like Zach DeLoach could surprise, but it’s unlikely.
Some Seattle Mariners fans are screaming, “What about Sam Haggerty? Ya know Macklemore’s brother!” First off, Haggerty isn’t related to the musician.
Second, he provides a valuable spark that fires up his teammates; it’s unrealistic to think that Haggerty can maintain his level of success over the course of an entire season. He is an excellent bench option that can play well in short bursts. But that doesn’t make him a full-time starter.
The M’s have to decide if it’s worth it to re-sign Haniger, knowing that he’s likely to play less than 60% of the games. Should the Seattle Mariners give him a new contract, they’ll need a contingency plan. There will have to be another big-league-level outfielder on the roster or in their system.
That also means they have to hold a roster spot for the Plan B option, as opposed to somewhere else on the team. For example, remember how Seattle carried three catchers to start this season? It would be a similar situation, except this guy would need to be around all year long and not just while the rosters are expanded.
What if one of their prospects has a Julio Rodriguez type of spring? They might need to start the season in the minors just because the M’s need to have the “Haniger Insurance Policy” on hand in case he gets hurt.
For those saying, “what if he plays in 100 games or more?” Then great! The Seattle Mariners will be even better off. Keep in mind that he’s only done that twice in his six-year Major League career. At 32 years old, the odds seem to be against him.
Because of his injury-prone history, it could just lead to Haniger re-signing for a discount. A contract that’s enticing enough for the Seattle Mariners to like it better than any free agent signing or trade they make. Then they could spend elsewhere to improve the team.
Let’s not forget that Haniger is a veteran and clubhouse leader. There is value in those attributes.
Come back for Part 2 – Replacing Mitch