Seattle Mariners: Taking stock of what’s in the cupboard
Chris Phillips
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Evan White, Seattle Mariners.
Catcher
Luis Torrens, Tom Murphy
This is probably the best two catchers Seattle had on the roster since Tom Murphy and Austin Nola. While it was very disappointing that Murphy didn’t play this year, the Mariners know what he can do at the Major League level.
Torrens proved to be a very competent MLBer after coming over from San Diego. These two are going to be just fine behind the plate for the next few years.
First base
Evan White, Jose Marmolejos
Evan White‘s first year was a struggle, to put it nicely, but his future still looks bright. His defense is outstanding, as evidenced by the Gold glove he just won. Provided White takes this offseason to make the necessary adjustments at the plate to his first taste in the Major League pitching; he’ll be around for a long time.
Jose Marmolejos (love the name, (it just rolls off the tongue) got off to a surprising and rocky start. He first won the starting left field job against over-hyped Jake Farley. Marmolejos then promptly lost the starting spot. At the end of the year, he was rotating between the DH, 1B, and left.
Marmolejos showed in the second half of the season that he could hit major league pitching. If he improves his defense at first base this offseason, he could put some serious pressure on White, especially if the latter continues to hit .176. That might make some fans angry, but this is a very plausible outcome.
Second Base
Dylan Moore, Ty France, and Shed Long
Shed Long was an utter disappointment. If the rumors are true that he doesn’t take coaching, he’s done as ever being a legit MLB starting player. In 2020 regressed tremendously at the plate. His new career path is life long minor league player with a shot as a pinch-runner in the majors.
Dylan Moore turned this nonbeliever around. He and Austin Nola were two pleasant surprises this year. Moore showed he could play second, short, a corner outfield spot, and even third in a pinch. France has the look of a Major League hitter. He hits for average and supplies some pop too. Depending on what happens in the offseason, he may find himself as the regular second or third baseman.
Third Base
Kyle Seager Ty France, and Dylan Moore
I already gave my thoughts on France and Moore about playing third base, so I won’t rehash that information. I can absolutely see the logic and thinking of my colleague Ed Stein on Kyle Seager not being a part of this club come 2021. He’s getting older, and his bat isn’t going to come around for a full year despite his steady glove at third.
In my opinion, Seager is the M’s starter next year. With the emergence of Lewis, Moore, and France, the pressure of not having to be the guy at the plate may help Seager. He still brings a veteran presence and is the best glove at third on the roster. His defense is needed.
Shortstop
J.P. Crawford, Dylan Moore, and Sam Haggerty
J.P. Crawford had another year of improvement all around. He is locked in as the Seattle Mariners starting shortstop, at least until Noelvi Marte arrives. Even then, either he or Marte may wind up as Seager’s replacement. It would be nice if Crawford’s average gets to at least .270, especially if manager Scott Servais wants to keep him as the leadoff hitter.
Haggerty made some flash plays, but with the upcoming in the farm system, he may find it difficult to hold a roster spot. I’m not betting against him. Haggerty proved himself to be a hard worker, and I like that.