Mariners Position Battle Update: Utility Infielder

Luis Sardinas, Shawn O’Malley and Chris Taylor are all off to good starts, but who has the early edge to be the Mariners utility infielder in 2016?

The Seattle Mariners overturned their roster this offseason, and Jerry Dipoto created competition up and down the roster in the process. There are a number of jobs up for grabs this spring in Peoria, and tonight we will take a closer look at the fight to be the M’s utility infielder in 2016.

Luis Sardinas, Shawn O’Malley and Chris Taylor are currently the favorites to be the M’s utility infielder this season. All three players are playing well in Cactus League action, but only one will head north to Seattle when the regular season begins next month.

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Sardinas is the youngest of the three competitors, as he is just 22 years old. O’Malley is a local product, and he is the only player in this group with the ability to play the infield and the outfield. Taylor was once considered the shortstop of the future in Seattle, but now he is just hoping to earn a bench spot with the M’s this season.

Offense will definitely play a role in Scott Servais‘ decision, but how each player fares defensively will likely determine who starts the year in the Emerald City and who is playing in Tacoma. Versatility will also be key, as the winner of this position battle will be asked to play second base, third base and shortstop for the Mariners.

We will begin the slideshow by discussing Luis Sardinas, who is off to a fantastic start this spring.

Next: Luis Sardinas is making a great first impression on fans