Grading Seattle Mariners Off-Season Moves… So Far

The Seattle Mariners have had one of the lamest off-seasons in the game, at least as far as big-name acquisitions are concerned, and that was expected. But how have they actually fared?

When Mariners GM Jerry Dipoto told us Seattle was going to be quiet this winter, nobody thought this is what he had in mind. And while the moves have been few and far between, there have still been a handful of moves to discuss.

And remember, there are still 6 weeks until the whole squad reports to Peoria Arizona for Spring Training, and another 2 weeks until they begin their Cactus League schedule. So they have time to add to their MLB roster, or even add to their farm system by trading players like Mitch Haniger.

But as things stand, the Mariners have signed 3 players to MLB contracts in free agency, made 2 trades, and made a selection in the Rule 5 draft. So, let’s take a look at these 6 transactions and assign a totally meaningless grade.

Mariners select Yohan Ramirez in Rule 5 Draft

The Mariners made one selection in the MLB portion of the Rule 5 draft and that was Yohan Ramirez, an RHP from the Houston Astros organization. Ramirez was coming off an up-and-down season in Houston’s minor league system, which saw him make 27 appearances (15 as a starter) and covers 106 innings.

In those innings, Ramirez posted 158 strikeouts and a fantastic .172 opponents batting average but is still a massive project with a low chance to stick on the big league roster all season. While Ramirez generates a lot of swing and miss, he also issues a ton of walks. 74 in his 106 innings in 2019.

Ramirez has a big-time fastball that is clocked in the upper-90s, and a feel for a changeup and slider that gives him a chance to start, but he will be competing for a bullpen spot this spring. There were players with higher upside and higher floors available to Seattle, and I have serious doubts Ramirez makes the big league team.

But the Rule 5 draft, it is all about buying $1 scratch-offs and hoping to make a little cash. Ramirez could do that if Seattle can refine his command, and they have a good reputation of doing just that. The selection is fine, as is the process, giving this selection a decent grade.

Final Grade: C+