The Top 5 Seattle Mariners of the 2018 Season… So Far

WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 16: The Seattle Mariners American League All-Stars pose during Gatorade All-Star Workout Day at Nationals Park on July 16, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 16: The Seattle Mariners American League All-Stars pose during Gatorade All-Star Workout Day at Nationals Park on July 16, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
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2. OF MITCH HANIGER

PHOENIX, AZ – AUGUST 24: Mitch Haniger #17 of the Seattle Mariners celebrates with teammates in the dugout after hitting a solo home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the fifth inning at Chase Field on August 24, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. The players are wearing special jerseys as part of MLB Players Weekend. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ – AUGUST 24: Mitch Haniger #17 of the Seattle Mariners celebrates with teammates in the dugout after hitting a solo home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the fifth inning at Chase Field on August 24, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. The players are wearing special jerseys as part of MLB Players Weekend. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)

2018 stats (as of 8/29/18): .281 AVG / 22 HR / 83 RBI / .852 OPS / 3.3 fWAR

As you may have noticed, Haniger and Segura have combined for 6.6 fWAR in 2018. Thanks, Arizona.

For the first three months of the season, Haniger was a legitimate American League MVP candidate. But regression happens, and it hit Haniger pretty hard. Still, he’s been a fantastic player for the Mariners both offensively and defensively.

Since taking over the leadoff spot in the Mariners’ lineup, Haniger has slashed .351/.402/.588 with a pair of leadoff homers. Such production has been Springer-esque and has given the Mariners a huge edge in starting games off with a strong on-base presence.

Haniger has been the best bat in the Mariners lineup, which earned him his first ever All-Star Game selection. The Mariners haven’t had a strong outfield in quite some time, but Haniger is helping to change that.

While he’s a bit on the older side for a player with as little Major League experience as he has, the future is still very bright for Haniger and the Mariners.

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