Grading Seattle Mariners Off-Season Moves… So Far

SEATTLE, WA - JUNE 11: Seattle Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto watches batting practice before a game between the Texas Rangers and the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field on June 11, 2016 in Seattle, Washington. The Rangers won the game 2-1 in eleven innings. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - JUNE 11: Seattle Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto watches batting practice before a game between the Texas Rangers and the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field on June 11, 2016 in Seattle, Washington. The Rangers won the game 2-1 in eleven innings. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images) /
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Mariners sign 1B/3B Patrick Wisdom to MLB Deal

ARLINGTON, TEXAS – APRIL 12: Patrick Wisdom #21 of the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington on April 12, 2019, in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – APRIL 12: Patrick Wisdom #21 of the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington on April 12, 2019, in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

One of the trends we have seen from the Mariners in recent years is to give long-time minor league veterans Major League contracts to lure them to Seattle. We saw it last year with Dylan Moore and R.J. Alaniz and we have another example this winter in Patrick Wisdom.

Unlike Moore, Wisdom does have some MLB seasoning under his belt, but the 28-year-olds track record strongly suggests he is an AAAA type of player. Wisdom has some tools, like above-average power and a good arm, but lacks the contact skills and defensive prowess to be an everyday option long-term.

The signing of Wisdom simply appears to come down to one need: insurance at first base if Evan White is unable to win the job out of Spring Training. Wisdom is a decent option to throw to the wolves while the team waits for White to claim the job.

If White is unable to start Opening Day, a platoon of Wisdom, Daniel Vogelbach, and Austin Nola could be deployed, though this is definitely less than ideal. And with Dylan Moore and Tim Lopes likely on the Opening Day roster, injury or poor performance is likely the only way Wisdom starts the year in Seattle.

He has a few options left, so sticking him in AAA Tacoma for a few months can’t hurt and if Kyle Seager misses time, he can handle third base in the interim. Wisdom is a fine depth move and giving him an MLB contract isn’t a big deal. But the ceiling is so low there isn’t a whole lot to get excited about.

Final Grade: C