SODO MOJO
FanSided

Seattle Mariners: 5 “Budget Ballers” to Consider this Winter

By Colby Patnode

SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 30: GM Jerry Dipoto of the Seattle Mariners looks on from the dugout prior to the game against the Houston Astros at Safeco Field on September 30, 2015 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 30: GM Jerry Dipoto of the Seattle Mariners looks on from the dugout prior to the game against the Houston Astros at Safeco Field on September 30, 2015 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 5
Next

Steve Pearce

BOSTON, MA – October 24: Steve Pearce #25 of the Boston Red Sox takes ball four for an RBI walk during the fifth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game Two of the 2018 World Series at Fenway Park on October 24, 2018, in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – October 24: Steve Pearce #25 of the Boston Red Sox takes ball four for an RBI walk during the fifth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game Two of the 2018 World Series at Fenway Park on October 24, 2018, in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

Little known fact about Steve Pearce: the guy can really hit. A career .257/.336/.447 hitter in 12 seasons with 7 teams, Pearce has really come onto the scene lately. In 2018, Pearce has hit .284/.378/.512 in just 251 PAs.

In his younger days, Pearce struggled to find a defensive home. He has logged 200 or more career innings at 1B, 2B, LF, RF, and DH. Now nearly a full-time first baseman, he plays the position well and can still cover a corner outfield spot on occasion.

Pearce missed most of May and June this year and will enter 2019 in his age-36 season. Traditionally a weakside platoon player ( facing LHP, roughly 30%-35% of the season AB’s), and his age may limit Pearce’s market, although a strong postseason has certainly helped.

For the Mariners, Pearce is likely to become the 1B or DH in a regular role. More of a #6 type of hitter against RHP, Pearce is a middle of the order force against LHP. Having a guy in the lineup or on the bench like Pearce would give the Mariners something they thought they had in Ryon Healy.

At 36, Pearce will most likely be looking at a 1-year deal, 2 at the very most. A short-term fix makes more sense for Seattle, who can charitably be described as at the end of their window. He isn’t a sexy name, but for the money, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better option.

Home/Mariners News