Is it the end for the Seattle Mariners and Mitch Haniger? Part 1 – No
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.
Supply Chain Issues
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.
don’t mind me just over here crying over mitch haniger’s players tribune article again https://t.co/lpPUDVEWFK pic.twitter.com/wI8KKXFHZ3
— kenz (@mackenzi_dugan) September 12, 2022