Mariners’ Abraham Toro Appears to Be a Lock at Third Base

After the Seattle Mariners acquired second baseman/left fielder Adam Frazier from the San Diego Padres on Saturday, Mariners President of Baseball Operations Jerry Dipoto announced that Frazier will immediately slide into the depth chart as the team’s starting second baseman. Based on the quickness of that announcement, it appears that the Mariners’ 2021 second baseman, Abraham Toro, will be moving back to his natural position of third base.

After dealing away star closer Kendall Graveman at the 2021 trade deadline for Toro, and after Toro’s explosive August in Seattle, it would be a surprise to see the Mariners move on from him, no matter which free agents the team is able to lure in this offseason.

Dipoto mentioned that the door is still open for Seattle to bring in a major infield talent through free agency, but unless that player’s only position is third base, it’s expected that the versatile Frazier would transition to left field to make room for the potential new infielder. With Ty France primed to stay at first base next season, the only remaining spot for Toro would be at third.

Toro, 24, is a former Astros top prospect, and the Mariners hope to see him continue to grow while receiving consistent playing time. If he transitions back to his more comfortable position of third base, it could pay even more dividends for his growth.

Along with Frazier’s immediate impact in the Mariners’ lineup, I believe his arrival also gives Abraham Toro the green light to get in the majority of his work at third, instead of second, this offseason. In fact, it wouldn’t surprise me if adding a second baseman was at the top of the Mariners’ offseason priority list, in an effort to catalyze Toro’s transition.

Be sure to stay tuned in with SoDo Mojo for all Mariners news, rumors, and analysis this offseason!