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Seattle Mariners and their chase of the Dodgers ROY record

Christopher O'Day|
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - JULY 12: Kyle Lewis #1 (L) and Jarred Kelenic #58 of the Seattle Mariners look on prior to an intrasquad game during summer workouts at T-Mobile Park on July 12, 2020 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - JULY 12: Kyle Lewis #1 (L) and Jarred Kelenic #58 of the Seattle Mariners look on prior to an intrasquad game during summer workouts at T-Mobile Park on July 12, 2020 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
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Todd Hollandsworth or Starlin Aguilar
23 Apr 2000: Todd Hollandsworth of the Dodgers hits the ball during the game against the Reds. Mandatory Credit: Harry How /Allsport

Staling Aguilar and Todd Hollandsworth

Starlin Aguilar: Recent International signee for Mariners from 2021 signings. Third Baseman, 16 years old.

Todd Hollandsworth: 12 years, .273/.328/.439, 192 2B, 98 HR, 401 RBI, 451 Runs, 75 SB, oWAR 7.0, dWAR -3.5, WAR 6.5

Why not. Let’s go with the Mariner’s top signee from the most recent round of International players that signed.

It can be hard to predict that far out. Especially when you are taking a look at the expected major league debuts for a bunch of the prospects… and none of them happen later than 2023.

Why not go with Aguilar a.k.a. Baby Devers. The Mariners may find a new third baseman by then, but it’s entirely possible that they won’t. Maybe they keep Seager throughout the rest of his contract, he re-signs for and then rides off into the sunset. A guy can dream, right?

When it comes to “defeating” Hollandsworth, it shouldn’t be that tough for Aguilar to have a better career. Here’s a list of some players you might be familiar with that have amassed a career WAR near 6.5 so far.

Dustin Ackley – 7.7

Hector Neris – 6.4

Mike Zunino – 7.1 as a Mariner

David Bell – 5.9 as a Mariner

You’re telling me that the top international prospect that the M’s just signed can’t be better than any of them?

Do you know who else has a career WAR of about 6.5? The guy that Aguilar is compared to, Rafael Devers. He sits at 6.3 currently. Only 23, that number is sure to grow. It would be fantastic to see Aguilar turn into Devers though.

Here’s a question I want to ask, and I want you to be honest. Would you be happy if Aguilar turned in a level of production similar to Kyle Seager? 33.4 WAR currently, and that ranks him 62nd all-time among third baseman. Another decent season of 3.0 WAR and he gets into the top 50. I know we all want HOFers, but getting a repeat of Seager production starting in 2024 and lasting till 2033? I would definitely be fine with that.

Do the Mariners have any chance at catching the Dodger’s incredible run of five straight Rookie of the Year awards? Time will tell, but I like their chances. For the first time in a while, the future is looking bright in Seattle thanks to their loaded farm system and we might see Jarred Kelenic and others soon.

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