What is J.P. Crawford have a future with the Mariners?

I am sure every Seattle Mariner fan has an opinion on J.P. Crawford’s future as the shortstop.

Crawford won’t be the offensive player Alex Rodriguez was or the defensive wiz of Omar Vizquel was for the Mariners. But he could end up being an average shortstop or better. We do see he has the tools to be a good defensive shortstop as well as a good hitter.  Last year when he came up in May he showed pulling the ball pretty well which helps in the number two spot in the batting order.

Crawford was tied in the lead for doubles on the Mariners last season with Tim Beckham. They both had 21 doubles. Everyone seems to love the home run, however, doubles works well in T-Mobile Park, just ask Edgar Martinez. Crawford can be an excellent hitter at home if he continues to hit doubles.

I expect Crawford will be the Mariners shortstop through the rebuilding process anyway. Noelvi Marte is the Mariners’ top shortstop prospect in the Mariners organization at number 6, but he is only 18 years old. He showed what we might see in the future being named Dominican Summer League player of the year in 2019.

The Mariners currently see their top two prospects Jarred Kelenic and Julio Rodriguez in a Mariners uniform over next season, but Marte might follow them the following season. The question is will he be a shortstop or the Mariners move him to another position. Marte could end up at third base when Kyle Seager moves on. Or moving into the outfield could be in play as well.

The Mariners don’t have another shortstop in their top 30 prospects at this moment. They could add one during this coming draft though only five rounds are expected to take place instead of the normal 40 rounds because of the coronavirus. Donavan Walton was listed at shortstop but is really a second baseman, is Seattle’s number 24 prospect.

So if Crawford doesn’t work out as Seattle is hoping he will they will have to look at making a trade for a shortstop until Marte or someone else makes it to the big club.

Crawford does look like a fine shortstop in the making, but as we know, things could change. Crawford is a nice guy so I am sure everyone is rooting for him, even those who have questions as Seattle’s shortstop going forward. Go M’s.