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Grading Seattle Mariners Off-Season Moves… So Far

By Colby Patnode

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 Carl Edwards Jr. to 1-year, $950,000 contract with $500,000 in incentives.

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – JUNE 09: Carl Edwards Jr. #6 of the Chicago Cubs pitches against the St. Louis Cardinals at Wrigley Field on June 09, 2019, in Chicago, Illinois. The Cubs defeated the Cardinals 5-1. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – JUNE 09: Carl Edwards Jr. #6 of the Chicago Cubs pitches against the St. Louis Cardinals at Wrigley Field on June 09, 2019, in Chicago, Illinois. The Cubs defeated the Cardinals 5-1. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

The Mariners needed upside in their bullpen, along with some relative safety, and they found just that in Carl Edwards Jr. The former Chicago Cubs and San Diego Padres’ set-up man was non-tendered after a disappointing 2019 season that saw him struggle heavily.

But in 2017 and 2018. Edwards Jr. was one of the best set-up men in the game. In 131 games over 2 years, Edwards Jr. posted a 2.81 ERA, a 3.19 FIP, a 153 ERA+, and 164 strikeouts in 118 innings.

He also posted a 1.14 WHIP and just 0.6 HR/9. Edwards was a borderline elite option entering 2019, but it all fell apart in 2019. But the 28-year-old still shows great stuff with a 94-97 MPH fastball with elite spin rates, as well as a curveball that is 65-grade at its best.

Edwards is a 2-pitch arm, but both of those offerings are plus. Once again, command is an issue for Edwards Jr., so Seattle is gambling they can help him fix that problem. As a bonus, Edwards Jr. is under club control through 2022, giving Seattle 3-years of potentially above-average or even plus late-inning option in their pen.

If Edwards Jr. turns things around, he could be one of the Mariners’ most tradable assets. Seattle is basically getting a free lottery ticket with a tremendous payout upside. There is quite literally no downside to this contract and there is a good chance Seattle found a good closer or relief ace for nothing.

This deal is the best of the off-season thus far. It earns high marks for process and execution. Hopefully, it pays off for Seattle.

Final Grade: A+

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