Mariners Catcher Mike Zunino Spring Update: Beyond The Numbers

As of March 9th, the Mariners have only played 12 Spring Training games. But in that short time, Mike Zunino has already made an impression on me. So, what do his early spring numbers mean for his 2017 campaign?

The 2017 spring training season is still young, but the Mariners backstop, Mike Zunino, has already outperformed in his limited appearances. Whether you believe spring numbers matter or not, he has played quality ball so far in 2017.

Ever since his draft day, no one has doubted Zunino’s raw power. While at the University of Florida, he consistently led his team and conference in home runs. This is why the Mariners drafted him 3rd in the 2012 draft.

Even so far throughout his Major League career, the power has always been there. That hasn’t been his issue to this point. His issue has been striking out.

In four seasons with the Mariners, Zunino has accumulated 1,247 plate appearances. He has walked 75 times and struck out 404 times.

When pitchers give him inside pitches, he has no problem turning it loose and sending it over the fence. But pitchers adapted and only pitched him on the outside part of the plate. But when he came up in 2016, he showed signs of plate discipline.

In 192 PA, he walked 21 times and had his highest OBP in his career and his first OPS (.787) over the league average which was .700.

But Is it too Late For A Turnaround?

Zunino is only 26 years old, so he is just entering his prime and he already has five years of MLB service. He was sent down to Triple-A to learn how to be a better all-around hitter, and it seems to have worked.

In his limited six games and at-bats, he has four hits: two doubles and two dingers. He has walked five times and struck out on only four occasions. So far in the spring, he is posting a 1.449 OPS.

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Do I think he will keep up that OPS throughout the 2017 regular season? No, not even close. But all Mariners fans are asking from him is progress. He showed us glimpses of what a disciplined hitter he could be at the end of 2016.

Anyone who expects him to hit for a high batting average throughout his career is sadly mistaken. But, he plays premier defense at a valuable position and has wicked power. When he puts it all together, he will have 35+ homer power and over 90 RBI.

He is going to have a high strikeout percentage, but that’s a given. And if he puts 35 over the fence and brings in runners, I don’t think anyone will mind.

A good offensive player comp to Zunino would be Chris Carter, now with the New York Yankees. ++ power, high RBI total, but will never even dream of winning a batting title.

Prediction

My prediction for 2017 is simple.

First, I predict he is going to win the Gold Glove award for AL catchers. Through all his offensive ups and downs, he has always shown the ability to be a stud defender. With him having a full season with his pitching staff, he will make himself a defensive name in baseball.

Secondly, he will hit over 30 HR and 80 RBI. He will still hit towards the bottom of the lineup, so the RBI total will not be sky high like Robinson Cano or Nelson Cruz. But, no matter where you hit if you have power, flaunt it.

Thirdly, he will improve both his walk rate and strikeout rate. He will come into 2017 a more disciplined hitter and will see the ball better than before.

Finally, he will put a spike into both his offensive and defensive WAR. A 1.3 Offense WAR and 0.7 Defense WAR will be benchmarks I believe he can clear with ease in 2017.

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Zunino has all the exciting tools right in front of him, 2017 will be the year he puts them all together and helps bring the Mariners to the playoffs with his improved ability.

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