Seattle Mariners: 3 players who could be cut before Opening Day

Jose Marmolejos

While Jose Marmolejos showed sparks of being an MLB player in the shortened 2020 season, overall he struggled both offensively and defensively. While Marmolejos played most of his minor league career at first base, because of Evan White and an opening in the outfield most of Jose’s time in the field was in leftfield where he had a hard time.

In 19 games in left field, Marmolejos had a dWAR of -0.3 and had -9 defensive runs saved above average (per 1,200 innings). To add to Marmo’s poor defense in his secondary position of left field, he also had a .672 OPS and hit .206 in 115 plate appearances.

He did show sparks of being a good hitter, like when he had a 1.070 OPS in the month of August and hit 3 home runs in 30 plate appearances. However, he followed that up by having a .572 OPS in September.

It is quite clear based on last season and with the current roster that the Mariners have that Marmolejos is not going to be on the roster for much longer. He does not have any minor league options remaining, meaning that if the Mariners want to take him off of the 26 man roster they will have to outright him to AAA or designate him for assignment.

Seattle also does not need a player like Marmolejos if they sign an outfielder, as his best value is as a backup first baseman or DH, and Ty France and Kyle Seager have that covered. If the Mariners are to sign an outfielder Marmolejos will be the player cut.