Seattle Mariners Holiday Wishlist: 3 Lefty Bullpen Weapons

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.