Seattle Mariners All-Dipoto Acquisition Team: Bench

SHED LONG JR.

And finally, we’re here at our last spot on the roster: the 26th man, Shed Long Jr. We could have gone a few different ways at this spot, but wanted to prioritize youth and versatility first and foremost. Long was under consideration for starting second baseman along with Tim Lopes and Austin Nola, so we feel confident in saying he could eventually push himself into that role.

Long appeared in 42 games in his first taste of MLB action last year, slashing .263/.333/.454 with five home runs and 15 RBIs. He ended the 2019 season on a high note, putting up a 128 wRC+ while playing almost every day in the month of September, further helping his cause to be the Mariners’ second baseman of the future.

Long is still figuring things out from a defensive standpoint after converting from catcher in the middle of the decade, but has great athleticism that should help him translate to a super-utility if starting at second base ultimately doesn’t pan out for him. For this roster, he would be a utility player at first with the chance to break into the starting lineup at second base.