Seattle Mariners: 5 Non-Tender Players to Consider

4 of 5

PHOENIX, AZ – AUGUST 26: Jeff Mathis #2 and Brad Boxberger #31 of the Arizona Diamondbacks celebrate after closing out the MLB game against the Seattle Mariners at Chase Field on August 26, 2018, in Phoenix, Arizona. All players across MLB wear nicknames on their backs as well as colorful, non-traditional uniforms featuring alternate designs inspired by youth-league uniforms during Players Weekend. The Arizona Diamondbacks won 5-2. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images) /

Remember all that stuff I said about Blake Parker and the bullpen? Well, it all applies here. The Mariners need ammo to trade this July. They also need bullpen help to get them through the season.

Brad Boxberger was the closer for the Diamondbacks in 2018, racking up 32 saves along the way. Boxberger has a history of injuries but when he is right, he generates a lot of swings and misses. In 2018, Boxberger posted an impressive 12.0 K/9 rate in 53.1 innings.

However, he saw his control diminish and he struggled to keep men off base. Things were different in 2017 when Boxberger posted a 12.3 K/9 and a 3.4 BB/9 in 30 games.

Boxberger turns 31-year-old in May, and will likely demand just a 1-year, prove it type of deal in free agency. While he is not a great pitcher, he can strike enough hitters out to be used as a 7th inning type of arm, similar to Nick Vincent.

Boxberger has watched his velocity drop from 94 MPH in 2014, to just under 92 MPH in 2018. This drop in velocity has led to the decline in his playable slider. However, there may be a saving grace for him.

The Mariners have a knack for teaching the cutter, a pitch similar to the slider but with a bit firmer action. Boxberger’s changeup is still a solid pitch and would play well off the cutter. Boxberger needs to make adjustments and stay healthy to bring up his value for a mid-season trade. But with minimal guaranteed money and only 1-year deals coming in, it may just be worth the risk.

Home/Mariners News