Happy Birthday to Kyle Seager, the best third baseman in Mariners history
Seattle Mariners legend Kyle Seager turns 33 today
The Seattle Mariners’ third baseman for roughly 10 seasons celebrates his 33rd birthday today. Kyle Seager is the best third baseman in the Mariners’ history and continues to separate himself from the pack. Seager was drafted in 2009 by Seattle out of the University of North Carolina. He was selected in the third round of the 2009 draft which was a brutal draft class with the exception of drafting Seager.
Seager quickly became a fan favorite and continues to wow fans with his clutch hitting and defense at the hot corner. Kyle has some impressive career numbers which makes me feel comfortable in saying he is the best third baseman in Seattle history. (Edgar Martinez is not considered a third baseman). Here are some of his career numbers:
- .256 average
- .768 OPS
- 207 home runs
- 706 RBIs
- 52 stolen bases
- 33.1 career wins above replacement
- .966 fielding percentage
- 2014 All-Star
- 2014 Gold Glove Award
The 33-year-old veteran beats out Adrian Beltre, Mike Blowers, Jim Presley, and David Bell for the greatest Seattle third baseman. Seager signed a seven-year deal in late 2014 for $100 million, so he will remain in Seattle until 2022 hypothetically. There were talks that Seager would be a trade asset as the Mariners have been rebuilding for the past several years under general manager Jerry Dipoto, but it seems like Seager has proven his worth to stay.
Seager has not had much of a decline after his All-Star 2014 season. He played a big part in the Mariners offense in the shortened 2020 season and drove in 40 runs with nine home runs. As much of a trade piece he might be and a way to unload some payroll as he gets older, Seager seems to have stuff left in the tank.
The Seattle Mariners are filled with young talent and Seager is one of the few remaining veteran leaders in the clubhouse. I think it is worth keeping Seager, the best third baseman in Seattle history, for the playoff runs the team is hoping to make starting next season.