Seattle Mariners Holiday Wishlist: 3 Lefty Bullpen Weapons

The Seattle Mariners have a dire need for left-handed relievers, here are three arms that would improve the bullpen.

With the recent additions of hard-throwing right-handers Rafael Montero and Keynan Middleton, the Seattle Mariners’ glaring need for a few more left-handed options out of the bullpen became far more obvious. Out of the 16 relievers currently on the 40-man roster, only two are southpaws; Anthony Misiewicz and Aaron Fletcher.

This need is more than likely to be filled sooner rather than later by general manager Jerry Dipoto, as he has stated the plan is to bring in a multitude of new relief arms this offseason. Dipoto has been busy adding pitchers after a very rough 2020 performance from the pen, but they have all been right-handers. It would be ideal if Seattle can go out and acquire a high-leverage left-handed weapon to shake up the balance of the bullpen.

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The 40-man roster is currently full, and Phillip Ervin was designated for assignment to make room for Keynan Middleton. The next to go will very likely be one of the 16 bullpen arms, forcing more of an even split for manager Scott Servais to choose from.

Based on his track record, one would have to expect Dipoto to bring in multiple new lefties over the course of the offseason, ranging possibly from big names to minor league signings or waiver claims. Here are the three best left-handed bullpen arms on the free-agent market that would bring a major change to the Mariners ‘pen in 2021.

Two-time All-Star Sean Doolittle

34-year-old Sean Doolittle would bring the exact veteran presence that the young Mariners bullpen needs. Like Hand, Doolittle could fill a variety of roles in the back-end over the course of the 2021 season. With his 22 save All-Star campaign of 2014 excluded, Doolittle was mainly a late-inning option during the beginning of his Major League career in Oakland.

Doolittle’s role changed when the A’s flipped him to the nation’s capital before the 2017 deadline in a package deal that netted Oakland a then 19-year-old Jesus Luzardo. Doolittle immediately became the Nats closer, going on to finish the season with 21 saves in 30 appearances and continued that success into 2018, earning his second career All-Star nod.

2019 was a bit of a different story, however, as batters began to square up Doolittle much more frequently. His home run to fly ball rate jumped nearly five percent and opponents average exit velocity rose over six MPH. Doolittle’s ground ball rate went down seven percent as his K% also plummeted, striking out 11% fewer batters. This yielded a 4.09 ERA and six blown saves.

In a tiny sample size, Doolittle lost his closer’s job and seemingly his confidence as well in an ugly 60-game sprint for the Nationals in 2020. A change of scenery is desperately needed for Doolittle coming off a World Series hangover. Doolittle would be an outstanding bargain signing for the Mariners, as he would be able to come in and immediately work with a coaching staff that has a desire to improve pitchers’ velocity and barrel missing ability.

Last but not least, a pitcher who has been a rock for several teams.

Established veteran Justin Wilson

Journeyman 33-year-old Justin Wilson has seen a long and consistent career in the Majors. Originally a west coast kid born in Anaheim, California – Wilson made his debut with the Pirates in 2012. Since then Wilson has been apart of four other organizations but is yet to call an AL or NL West team home.

Over nine seasons in the show, Wilson sports a lifetime 3.27 ERA. While at one point experiencing a closer’s role during his time in Detroit, Wilson is primarily a middle reliever. Oddly enough, Wilson has also proved matchup-proof over the course of his career. He allows a lifetime .218/.309/.329 slash line against right-handed batters compared to a .233/.318/.333 line versus lefties.

This is no cause for concern; if anything it points towards Wilson being able to potentially provide multi-inning value for the Mariners in 2021, as his career numbers play against both righties and lefties. Wilson would give the Mariners a steady floor of around 40-50 appearances and would also bring veteran leadership and wisdom to the bullpen. A career GB% of 46.8% proves that he knows how to control the zone and get outs.

Wilson would make a very valuable addition to the M’s bullpen in 2021 while being on the affordable side of things. It is clear the Seattle Mariners are beginning to peek their head out of the water because otherwise, Jerry Dipoto would not be spending money on bullpen pitchers. Although the Mariners are adding bullpen depth, do not expect them to suddenly become World Series contenders. The time will come soon enough when the Mariners will be going full speed ahead.