Seattle Mariners and Mitch Haniger Part 2: If not Mitch then who?
Internal options
The Seattle Mariners have some in-house options to replace Haniger in Taylor Trammell and Jarred Kelenic. There is the possibility that another minor leaguer, like Zack DeLoach, follows in the footsteps of Julio Rodriguez. But the odds of that happening in back-to-back seasons is remote.
Some Seattle Mariners fans are asking about Sam Haggerty. It’s unrealistic to think that Haggerty can maintain his level of success throughout a full season. He is an exciting player off the bench who can play well in short bursts.
Trammell and Kelenic have some similarities. They both got extended looks with the Seattle Mariners over the last two seasons. And both failed miserably.
In 2021, Trammell was sent down early and rarely heard from again. This year Kelenic followed in Trammell’s footsteps.
Trammell showed improvement this year, but there is still much left to be desired. Hopefully, Kelenic follows Trammell’s example again, except JK shows much more improvement and lives up to his five-tool capabilities. It remains to be seen if the organization still believes in him or if they are done with him.
Let’s not forget about 2020 American League Rookie of the Year Kyle Lewis. He’s another one 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.
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