5 things we learned about the Mariners after the opening series

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - APRIL 03: Chris Flexen of the Seattle Mariners reacts. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - APRIL 03: Chris Flexen of the Seattle Mariners reacts. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
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Mitch Haniger of the Mariners catches a fly ball.
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – APRIL 02: Mitch Haniger of the Seattle Mariners makes a catch. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

Mariners learning no. 4 – Mitch Haniger is looking like his old self

It’s only been three games, but Mitch Haniger’s numbers are looking like his 2018 All-Star numbers. So far this is what he’s done:

  • 10% barrel%
  • .271 xBA
  • .518 xSLG
  • .392 wOBA
  • .329 xwOBA
  • 153 OPS+

In 2018, Haniger had a breakout season. He made his first All-Star team and finished 11th in MVP voting. Here’s what he posted that year:

  • 10.3% barrel%
  • .276 xBA
  • .495 xSLG
  • .367 wOBA
  • .369 xwOBA
  • 139 OPS+

The 30-year-old outfielder has also hit one home run and one double to start the season. Like I said, it’s a small sample size but it is a good sign that it doesn’t seem like he’s missed a beat at all, despite not playing for so long.

If the Mariners can get the 2018 Mitch Haniger, it will be huge for the team. The career .268 hitter has some young talent competing for playing time so he needs to be at his best.

Mitch has also made a couple of nice plays already and we fans are excited to have him back.

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