Mariners Reportedly Looking for On a regular basis Bat, Aid Assist On Commerce Market

The Mariners have gotten off to a powerful begin this season with a 47-38 report that locations them firmly within the driver’s seat of the AL West division race, 4.5 video games forward of the second place Astros. Provided that stable place within the standings because the second half will get underway, it’s hardly shocking that Seattle plans so as to add to their staff forward of the commerce deadline, which is scheduled for precisely one month from immediately on July 30. Reporting final week indicated that the Mariners plan to be “aggressive” in enhancing their offense this summer season, and immediately a report from MLBNetwork’s Jon Morosi added further particulars concerning the membership’s plans. Per Morosi, the Mariners have already begun exploring potential trades with different golf equipment and are at present prioritizing the addition of 1 on a regular basis hitter, in addition to assist in the bullpen.

It’s actually smart for Seattle to search for upgrades in these areas. Regardless of their stable report, the membership has not generated a lot offense this yr, rating twenty first within the majors with a 94 wRC+ that’s equivalent to that of the lowly Athletics. Maybe most regarding for a membership that actively tried to add more contact-oriented bats to their offense over the winter is the truth that they lead the majors with a 27.9% strikeout charge whereas getting on base at a clip of simply .298, sixth from the underside amongst all golf equipment.

The Mariners will certainly be counting on inner enhancements to spark the offense on no less than some stage with key items like Julio Rodriguez, Cal Raleigh, and J.P. Crawford hitting far beneath expectations, however even assuming core gamers like that trio stay in on a regular basis roles there’s nonetheless loads of room for the membership to enhance externally. Of the membership’s 11 hitters with no less than 100 journeys to the plate below their belts this yr, solely Josh Rojas, Dylan Moore, and Luke Raley have posted a wRC+ greater than 5% higher than league common. Even then, Moore is a part-time participant who has began simply 17 of the membership’s 27 video games this month whereas Rojas has slashed simply .230/.283/.323 after a scorching sizzling April.

Given the intense dearth of offensive affect all around the roster, the Mariners shouldn’t be restricted to any particular place of their seek for offensive upgrades. Raleigh and Mitch Garver determine to proceed serving because the membership’s tandem behind the plate, Rodriguez figures to proceed manning heart area, and Crawford figures to stay at shortstop, however there’s loads of flexibility elsewhere on the roster to accommodate an impactful offensive addition. It’s straightforward, for instance, to think about Seattle making room for White Sox veteran Tommy Pham and his 112 wRC+ alongside Raley, Mitch Haniger, and Dominic Canzone of their nook outfield combine, and as extra groups inevitably make the choice to promote because the deadline approaches, it’s no less than potential to think about higher-profile gamers resembling Cody Bellinger of the Cubs, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. of the Blue Jays, or Brandon Lowe of the Rays changing into accessible.

The bullpen, alternatively, isn’t in fairly as dire a scenario in Seattle because the offense is. The membership’s relievers rank fifteenth within the majors with a 3.86 ERA, however extra superior metrics like FIP (twelfth), xFIP (eighth), and SIERA (seventh) all point out that the Mariners’ reduction corps is stronger than that middling efficiency would in any other case point out. That’s thanks in no small half to the truth that they’ve struck out a whopping 25.1% of batters confronted this yr, good for fourth amongst all MLB golf equipment. Seattle additionally advantages from having the freshest group of bullpen arms within the majors; no staff has leaned on their relievers much less typically than the Mariners, who’ve solely drawn 254 innings of labor from their complete bullpen.

That stated, nearly any contender can profit from including depth to their bullpen combine, and the Mariners are not any exception. That’s notably true given the rash of accidents the membership’s relievers have confronted within the first half. Again-end arms Matt Brash, Gregory Santos, and Gabe Speier have all missed important time this yr. Whereas Santos and Speier each nonetheless determine to contribute this yr, Brash is now anticipated to overlook the complete marketing campaign after present process Tommy John surgical procedure final month.

Giving supervisor Scott Servais one other high quality choice to pair with Andres Munoz and Ryne Stanek within the late innings, notably one which throws from the left aspect, would make loads of sense for the Mariners. Marlins lefty Tanner Scott is more likely to be the very best lefty bullpen arm accessible this summer season, however T.J. McFarland of the A’s, Matt Moore of the Angels, and Andrew Chafin of the Tigers are among the many different items who may probably be accessible within the coming weeks.