Seattle Mariners Season Preview: Adam Lind

Aug 28, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Adam Lind (24) drives in two runs with a double in the eighth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Miller Park. The Brewers won 5-0. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 28, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Adam Lind (24) drives in two runs with a double in the eighth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Miller Park. The Brewers won 5-0. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /
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Adam Lind could be a surprise All-Star for the Seattle Mariners in 2016.

Acquiring Adam Lind from the Milwaukee Brewers was one of the key moves made by the Seattle Mariners and Jerry Dipoto this offseason. Lind lengthens the M’s lineup and adds another veteran presence in the heart of the order.

The 32-year-old posted strong numbers in 2015 during his lone season with the Brew Crew. Lind slashed .277/.360/.460 across 572 plate appearances with Milwaukee. He also contributed 20 home runs and 87 RBI through 149 games.

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Lind spent the first 9 seasons of his career with the Toronto Blue Jays. He was a fan favorite north of the border, and rightfully so. Lind hit .273 during his time as a Blue Jay, with 146 home runs and 519 RBI. 2009 was his best season, as he posted a .305 batting average with 35 home runs and 114 RBI. Lind took home a Silver Slugger award in 2009, and finished 15th in American League MVP voting.

The Good

Originally selected in the third round of the 2004 draft by the Blue Jays, Lind has developed into one of the most consistent hitters in baseball. He boasts a lifetime .274 batting average, and he has hit at least .277 in each of the last three seasons. Lind is not a huge power threat at the plate, but he has tallied 20 home runs or more in 5 of his last 7 seasons. He is a professional hitter, who can do a little bit of everything.

Jun 8, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Adam Lind (24) enters the dugout before playing the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 8, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Adam Lind (24) enters the dugout before playing the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

The Mariners posted a disappointing .311 on base percentage was a team last season, and the new regime in Seattle targeted Lind in part because he excels in this area. He has registered a .332 on base percentage during his career, and that number rises to .354 since the 2012 season. Lind established a new high water mark for himself in 2015, as he nursed 66 free passes.

Lind was incredible last season at cashing in on RBI opportunities. He hit .336 with runners in scoring position and drove in 64 runs. Remarkably, Lind posted a .426 batting average in 2015 when hitting with 2 outs and runners in scoring position. The Mariners hit .231 as a team with runners in scoring position last season, and adding a clutch player like Lind should be a big boost to the offense.

The Bad

Defense has never been Lind’s strong suit. After toiling in the outfield for much of his first five seasons, Toronto decided to move him to first base in 2010. Lind showed signs of improvement last season at first base, but he has still never registered a positive defensive WAR during his career. However, he is still the most competent first baseman on the Mariners’ roster.

The Anderson, IN native’s splits are very disturbing. He is a lifetime .293 hitter against right-handers, but he has hit a measly .219 against southpaws during his career. Lind’s problems continued in 2015, as he hit just .221 with 0 home runs and 10 RBI across 69 games against lefties. Jesus Montero, Dae-ho Lee and Gaby Sanchez are expected to compete this spring for a chance to platoon with Lind at first base.

The Future

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Lind is entering his contract year, and should be motivated to cash in next offseason in free agency. Baseball Reference is projecting another strong season for Lind. They believe he will hit .280 with 17 home runs and 69 RBI through 518 plate appearances. FanGraphs is slightly less optimistic about Lind next season. They predict he will hit .268 with 15 home runs and 59 RBI across 115 games.

There is little doubt that the University of South Alabama product makes the M’s lineup better, and he should stabilize the first base position. Lind is the best first baseman the Mariners have had since the “good” Richie Sexson in 2006, although that is not saying much.

Next: Seattle Mariners Top 20 Prospects: #19 Tyler Smith

Adam Lind will likely be utilized in a platoon of some sort this season, but I think he has a chance to be a very productive hitter in Seattle. Overall, I am excited to see what he can do this season in the Emerald City. If everything breaks right for Lind, I think he could be an unexpected All-Star for the Mariners in 2016.