Offseason Report Card and Prediction: Right Field
Offseason Report Card and Prediction: Right Field
The right field situation is an interesting one to keep an eye on in 2022. Could the Mariners part ways with two former key pieces of their rebuild?
Heading into 2022 the Mariners expected Mitch Haniger to be able to produce as he did in 2021, but injuries hit again. Right field was a revolving door for Seattle, leaving the position wide open for 2023. Could Seattle bring Haniger back? Who are the other options? Let’s take a look.
When Mitch Haniger went down with an ankle sprain early in the season it was clear Seattle did not have the depth to deal with the injury. They went the rest of the season piecing the position together between Dylan Moore, Sam Haggerty, Taylor Trammell, and Jarred Kelenic.
This ultimately left them shorthanded at other positions, especially when Moore and Haggerty had to play the position with the struggles of Kelenic and Trammell.
The team got decent production from Trammell early on but injuries and inconsistent playing time sapped his production at the plate. Haggerty and Moore are not suited to be everyday outfielders, instead, a bench role where their speed can be utilized is preferable.
This leaves Jarred Kelenic and Mitch Haniger as two options for the position. Kelenic had an up-and-down campaign that saw extreme highs and lows. His performance in Tacoma late in the season looked like a changed player, and he looked much improved at the big league level at the end of the season.
Ultimately he put together just a 55 WRC+ in Seattle, but a 123 down in Tacoma. He cleaned up his mechanics considerably and seemed to be more comfortable taking pitches outside the zone near the end of the season. His performance does inspire confidence moving into 2023. He was also fantastic as a defender in right field, which is likely his best position moving forward.
While Seattle did shop Kelenic at the deadline I expect them to hold onto him and not sell low, because he is only 23 years old and still carries tremendous upside. Even if they hold onto Kelenic he cannot be the solution right away in the outfield.
They need to make him earn the job, likely as a fourth or fifth outfielder on the roster to start the season. With Kyle Lewis’s future in doubt, that leaves only one in house option for right field, pending free agent Mitch Haniger.
Haniger was injured for about 2/3 of the 2022 campaign but has shown to be a tremendous hitter and clubhouse leader during his time in Seattle. The Mariners and Haniger have had their differences in the past, but a deal could come to fruition for both sides.
While Haniger will likely test the market as a 32-year old that has never seen free agency, his market could be limited if teams view his health or lack of production in 2022 as a concern. If his offers are not suitable, look for him to potentially on the qualifying offer or a three year deal with performance incentives.
A team like the San Francisco Giants may be willing to pay Haniger, but if his market isn’t robust I expect him to return to Seattle. General Manager Justin Hollander seemed to hint at exactly this scenario at the end-of-season press conference.
Haniger has produced in Seattle before, and is a leader in the clubhouse. I expect them to bring back him or outfielder Jesse Winker this offseason. Haniger’s leadership and upside would make him a candidate to return, especially if the team can lure a player like Brandon Nimmo or Bryan Reynolds to join the outfield with him.
While 2022 wasn’t ideal, I expect to see Haniger back on the qualifying offer, because it should benefit both sides. If they do not offer him the QO he will test the waters, but could return late in the offseason if other options do not arise.
