Seattle Mariners need to make some roster tweaks
The Seattle Mariners are off to a lukewarm start in 2023. They are in fourth place in the AL West and can’t afford to let the leaders get too far away. Some roster tweaks would help.
With nearly a third of the 2023 season down, the Seattle Mariners are falling behind the AL West division leaders. By parting with some underperformers and adding a few new faces, they can make up ground on Texas and Houston.
Here are a few personnel moves designed to tighten up the Seattle Mariners roster:
In: Dylan Moore
The Seattle Mariners utility man has been out of action all season with a core muscle injury. They have certainly missed him.
Currently, Dylan Moore is on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Tacoma. Since he started his rehabilitation on May 23, the M’s have to activate him by June 7 per MLB rules.
Hopefully, Moore will be back a little sooner, like when they start their three-game series against the Rangers in Arlington, Texas, on June 2.
When he does return look for him to start all over the field. Moore can play anywhere but pitcher and catcher.
Out: Taylor Trammell
Taylor Trammell started fairly hot after the Seattle Mariners called him up from Tacoma on April 30. Unfortunately, he’s been a black hole at the plate recently.
Since May 8, Trammell has a .107 batting average and .433 OBP. Once again, he’s proven to be a Quad-A player, good enough to excel in the minors but not good enough to hit Major League pitching.
In: Cesar Hernandez
Since Aaron Hicks signed with Baltimore on Tuesday, we move to Plan B.
Seattle signed 10-year MLB veteran Cesar Hernandez to a minor league contract on April 3. He’s done a fantastic job for the Rainiers this season with a slash line of .263/.432/.331/.763 and 10 stolen bases.
A switch-hitter, he doesn’t offer much pop. However, if the M’s want to kick start the top of their order, Hernandez could work (especially if Kolten Wong continues to struggle).
Out: AJ Pollock
It’s time for the Seattle Mariners to end the AJ Pollock experience. After two months, he’s done very little to prove his worth.
Pollock was supposed to be part of a left field platoon with Jarred Kelenic. But he lost the opportunity due to Kelenic’s hot start and his cold one. When Moore returns, there isn’t much room for a corner outfielder.
In: Matt Festa
A revelation last year for Seattle, Matt Festa got off to a horrid start in 2023. He pitched 3.1 innings, giving up 3 hits, 6 walks, a home run, and 4 earned runs.
That got him a demotion to Tacoma on April 9. Since going down, he’s found himself. Festa has cashed in on 10 of 10 save opportunities with a 0.43 ERA, 0.81 WHIP, and a .104 batting average against.
He’s earned another chance.
Out: Juan Then
Making his MLB debut on May 8, Juan Then didn’t allow a run in his first 4 appearances. After that, it’s been another story.
Since May 16, Then made 5 appearances with awful results. Opposing hitters are tearing him up to the tune of an 8.10 ERA, .367 batting average against, and 1.120 OPS against.
It’s time for him to take what he learned in The Show back to Tacoma and become a better pitcher.
Next Man Out: Chris Flexen
Moving Chris Flexen back and forth between the rotation and bullpen isn’t working. Formerly one of Seattle’s more consistent pitchers, the 29-year-old has been more miss than hit this season.
While initially effective in relief, Flex gave up runs in his last two outings. His trade value has dropped drastically. If he can string together a few decent outings, the M’s might be able to trade him.
Next Man In: Isaiah Campbell
Then got his shot this year, so why not Isaiah Campbell? Despite an overall lack of experience, the Seattle Mariners 17th ranked prospect (per MLB pipeline) is pitching well at Double-A Arkansas.
Campbell has thrown 12 innings over 11 appearances with a 3.00 ERA, 14 strikeouts, 1.17 WHIP, and a .231 batting average against. He’d be a stopgap until Andres Munoz is ready to come back.
On the Bubble: Kolten Wong
When the Seattle Mariners traded for Kolten Wong from Milwaukee, they never expected he’d be batting .160 two months into the season. Jose Caballero already supplanted him at second base, and Moore is a natural middle infielder.
Time for a quick turnaround, or Wong might find himself out in the cold.
What changes, if any, would you make to the Mariners roster?