Seattle Mariners: What About Dylan Moore?

Seattle Mariners outfielders
Dylan Moore, Seattle Mariners.

The Seattle Mariners were active this offseason. They made some major upgrades to the roster in addition to some prized prospects expected to arrive this year. Where does it leave M’s super-utility man Dylan Moore?

Seattle Mariners fans are excited about the 2022 season. The team has a talented group of outfielders Jarred Kelenic, Jesse Winker, Kyle Lewis, and Mitch Haniger. Ty France is a bonafide .300 threat. Last season, J.P. Crawford improved his bat to go along with Gold Glove-caliber defense at shortstop. Abraham Toro and Adam Frazier bring stability, versatility, and offense to the lineup.

General Manager Jerry Dipoto went out and got his staff ace in free agency, last season’s American League Cy Young winner Robbie Ray. Ken Giles, a closer with 115 career saves and 1.117 WHIP, joins the surprise bullpen of 2021, after missing a season due to injury.

Lost in the shuffle is Mariners super-utility man Dylan Moore. This spring, he’s fighting to retain his roster spot on a deep Seattle Mariners team.

Versatility

Moore’s ability to play just about anywhere, except catcher and pitcher, on the field is his biggest advantage over the competition. Before the trolls come at me, I’m aware that he pitched one inning in 2019. But in that lone outing, he gave up five hits, and four earned runs.

Providing that kind of roster flexibility for M’s manager Scott Servais is a nice luxury to have. Sure, the roster already contains some flexibility, with Adam Frazier being able to play second base or left field. Eugenio Suarez can play some third base or shortstop as well, but he may be best utilized as just a hitter because his defense is atrocious.

Ty France can play some first or second base, and some think he can play third too. Then there’s also Abraham Toro, who plays second and third base.

Need for Speed

So, maybe with all these guys who can play more than one position Moore’s biggest asset isn’t versatility but instead speed. He is fast, leading the Seattle Mariners in steals for the past two seasons. And back in 2019, he finished third on the team behind highly regarded base stealers Mallex Smith and Dee Strange-Gordon.

This year, Moore’s competition to lead the team in steals is the previously mentioned Frazier and Jarred Kelenic. Recently, the M’s signed ultra speedster Billy Hamilton to a minor league with an invite to spring training. Some fans are saying Hamilton is a better fit than Moore. Hamilton plays the outfield only. So in my opinion, all things equal, Moore’s versatility trumps Hamilton.

Roster cuts are always painful. This year’s cut will be really close for Moore. This year’s Seattle Mariners lineup has a lot of talent. And there is more talent on its way up.

Moore’s speed and versatility will need to shine if he’s to stay with the M’s. Also, his bat has to produce much better than the .181/.276/.334/.610 slash line Moore put up in 2021.

Related Story: Who will be the M’s 5th starter?

Do you think Dylan Moore sticks with the Seattle Mariners? Let us know in the comments section below.

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