Seattle Mariners: Way too early Opening Day lineup and roster predictions

A prediction of the Seattle Mariners 26 man Opening Day lineup, rotation, bullpen, and bench

Even though there are rumors that the MLB season could be pushed back until May, here at Sodo Mojo we have been keeping up with everything during the offseason, and with five or more months to go why not speculate on what the opening day roster could be when the Mariners face the San Franciso Giants at T-Mobile Park.

It seems as though the roster is somewhat coming to shape, with various signings and trades to help the rotation and bullpen. So, let’s get to my predictions for the Opening Day starting lineup, rotation, and bullpen, for whenever Opening Day actually ends up happening.

First, let’s look at who’s on the Opening Day bench

C Luis Torrens

2B/LF Shed Long Jr

INF/OF Chris Owings

OF Jake Fraley

Torrens and Long are no surprise making the opening day roster. Both of them will play a lot in the 2021 season, but will also certainly be on the bench and be backup players to start the year.

I thought that Phillip Ervin would be on the opening day bench, but with him now gone Jake Fraley naturally slides into that role. While I would not be surprised if the Mariners sign a backup outfielder, with the 40 man roster and Jarred Kelenic hopefully coming up sometime next year, I see Dipoto and Servais giving Fraley another shot to break into the lineup, and it might be the last shot he gets.

I also thought that Tim Lopes would be on the opening day roster but with him being DFA’d, the Mariners bring in utility man Chris Owings on a one-year deal and DFA Sam Haggerty. Owings has had an up and down career but will provide decent defense in both the infield and outfield and the Mariners take a chance on his bat.