Do the Mariners NEED to make a move?
Do the Mariners NEED to make a move?
With the setback to Dylan Moore and other injuries around the fringes of this roster, does Seattle need to make a move?
After signing a three-year 8.75 million dollar extension this offseason, Mariners utility player Dylan Moore has failed to appear in a Cactus League game so far this Spring. Moore is recovering from offseason core surgery and was set to hit the lineup on Thursday before suffering a setback in the cage pregame.
After feeling tightness in his side Moore got things checked out, and ultimately was diagnosed with a Grade 1 left oblique strain, the least serious type. Nonetheless, the injury will land him on the 10-day IL and he will miss the beginning of the season.
Oblique injuries can be extremely challenging and can persist, so how does Seattle plan to replace him?
Moore isn’t the only injury Seattle has suffered so far this Spring. Cade Marlowe, Tommy La Stella, and Sam Haggerty have all dealt with injuries, leaving the fringes of this roster devoid of big league talent.
As far as internal options the Mariners could utilize, Mason McCoy and Jose Caballero are two options Scott Servais has mentioned. McCoy is the most interesting of the two, although he would need to be added to the 40-man roster.
McCoy had a career year in the PCL after coming over from the Orioles system, hitting 21 home runs and posting a .805 OPS in Tacoma. His game isn’t flashy, but he could likely handle the role until Moore were to come back.
The issue lies in the depth of this infield unit, especially with injury concerns to JP Crawford. Crawford and Moore are the only two players on the 40-man who can handle shortstop, and although Sam Haggerty can do many things, shortstop hasn’t been one of them.
This team doesn’t have much depth beyond the names listed, and one more infield injury could spell trouble for Seattle’s roster to start the season.
There are a few trade options that could be had, but it is unclear whether or not the Mariners would make a move.
Isaiah Kiner-Falefa is a name that could make some sense, although the Yankees have been trying him in Center field recently. The much-maligned former Texas Ranger played 138 games at shortstop last year for the Yankees and has played every infield position including catcher during his big league career.
However, his bat is somewhat weak, posting a career 82 WRC+. He is a quality big league player who should be somewhere between a 1 and 2 WAR player this season provided his defensive value doesn’t tank playing center field.
Kiner Falefa is due 6 million dollars this year and could be fit for a swap for right-handed pitcher Chris Flexen. It is unclear whether the Yankees would move him, or whether Seattle would have an interest in the player.
Nicky Lopez in Kansas City is another speedy, but light hitting option. The Royals probably wouldn’t want to sell low on him coming off a down season.
Nick Madrigal with the Cubs is a really fun option that was mentioned by Mariners beat writer Daniel Kramer. Madrigal was a former top pick who lost his starting job when the club signed Dansby Swanson this offseason, and it seems they have no spot for him.
He has dealt with some pretty serious injuries, but Madrigal has some upside to hit for average and get on base while playing good defense.
This roster needs some protection soon because the fringes of it are becoming quite thin. La Stella has been injured and hasn’t been particularly impressive in camp thus far, and can’t play shortstop anyways.
If Moore misses significant time the Mariners won’t have anybody to protect Crawford or Wong against tough left handers, or even give them a day off. Haggerty can do so at second base, but the Mariners don’t seem to have anybody who can handle the left side of the infield.
The Mariners’ front office under Jerry Dipoto has typically waited until right before the season to browse the waiver wire and make an addition, something they did with Tom Murphy just a few years ago.
This feels like the most likely scenario late in camp for Seattle, but if this player doesn’t seem to be out there don’t be surprised to see the Mariners swing a late Spring deal.