2021 Seattle Mariners fantasy baseball advice recap

PEORIA, ARIZONA - MARCH 15: Jake Fraley of the Seattle Mariners looks on (Sodo Mojo Mariners fantasy). (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
PEORIA, ARIZONA - MARCH 15: Jake Fraley of the Seattle Mariners looks on (Sodo Mojo Mariners fantasy). (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /
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Tom Murphy of the Mariners reacts (fantasy baseball).
PEORIA, ARIZONA – MARCH 15: Tom Murphy of the Seattle Mariners reacts (fantasy baseball). (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

Mariners fantasy advice recap – infielders

Tom Murphy

We recommend passing on Tom Murphy. The Mariners catcher has had a slow Spring Training and currently owns a .212 batting average against subpar pitchers. Not only has he struggled in Arizona, but I am also a little worried about his playtime this season. I am almost 100% certain that Murphy will be the Opening Day starter, but Luis Torrens has been getting rave reviews from the staff. I wouldn’t be surprised if Torrens and Murphy split a good amount of the games. Additionally, Cal Raleigh may be a September call up which takes away even more time from Murphy. I think there are other catchers you should draft in the league.

Evan White

I wouldn’t recommend drafting the Gold Glove first baseman unless you had to, or you are a huge Evan White hopeful. He had a bad offensive season last year in terms of fantasy baseball. His advanced metrics give fans a reason to be hopeful but those numbers don’t mean anything for fantasy baseball. Evan hasn’t also had a great Spring Training either. He’s hit two big home runs and leads the team in RBI but his batting average is below .200. He has made improvements with his plate discipline though. He has only struck out nine-time in 40 at-bats compared to Jake Fraley’s 14 strikeouts in 35 at-bats. So, if you want to take a gamble on Evan White, it’s not a bad idea. But he shouldn’t be your starting first baseman in your lineup.

More from SoDo Mojo

Dylan Moore

D-Moore is one of the more valuable Mariners players in fantasy baseball this season. A big reason for that is his position eligibility. It may differ based on what platform you are using, but D-Moore is a 2B, 3B, SS, and OF on Fantasy Pros. We recommend drafting Moore once Max Kepler, Tommy Edman, and Ian Happ get selected in the draft. I personally think D-Moore could be drafted before these guys, but I don’t think many are aware of how good Dylan was in 2020, so you should be able to wait a bit.

J.P. Crawford

If fantasy baseball incorporated a player’s WAR, Crawford would be an excellent pick. Unfortunately, fantasy baseball-only looks at the basic offensive stats (as far as I know) which makes Crawford a below-average fantasy asset. There is too much depth at shortstop around the league and Crawford should be left on the waiver wire unless he proves us wrong. He did have a decent 2020 season offensively which is great to see, but he doesn’t provide too much support. The only category where I see Crawford having an impact is OBP and SB. Both are important, but I am not sure if it’s enough for a spot on your team.

Kyle Seager

The Mariners third baseman is the model of consistency and belongs on a fantasy baseball team again this year. He had a solid 2020 offensive season and although his ceiling may be low, Seager would still be a great third baseman for your team. You wouldn’t want Kyle Seager to be your best offensive player, but he would be a solid middle-round pick. Once you see Ke’Bryan Hayes, Alec Bohm, and Kris Bryant get selected, that’s a good time to pick Seager if you don’t have a star third baseman already.

Ty France

If you have been watching Mariners Spring Training, you know the answer. France should be at the top of your list of sleepers this year. France is still ranked very low despite his amazing Spring. That being said, I think many people will pass on France until the late rounds, which gives you a great opportunity to have the steal of the century. But, if there are a lot of Mariners fans in your league, you might not have that luxury. Honestly, I would consider Ty France a middle-round draft pick just like Kyle Seager. Just don’t wait too long on France, who I think could be an All-Star this year.

Last but not least, let’s talk about Mariners outfielders.