Mariners 40-Man Roster Players Most Likely to Go This Offseason

Kevin Padlo

The Mariners outrighted infielder Shed Long Jr. to the minor leagues earlier this offseason instead of keeping him on the 40-man roster, so it seems Seattle sees some value in Kevin Padlo.

Padlo, a 25-year-old utility player who was claimed off waivers from the Tampa Bay Rays in mid-August, has spent the majority of his time in the Mariners organization so far as a member of the Tacoma Rainiers. His brief showing in Seattle last season was unspectacular, as he went 0-for-1 with a strikeout in his only plate appearance.

The Colorado Rockies drafted Padlo out of high school in the 5th round of the 2014 MLB Draft, so he’s always been thought to have an intriguing upside. Perhaps, the Mariners foresee Padlo having the ability to take over Dylan Moore’s spot as the team’s super-utility player, but it will be difficult to evaluate that notion until Padlo gets consistent at-bats in Spring Training.

Due to Moore’s MLB experience and familiarity in Seattle, it’s unlikely we’ll see Padlo eventually take his place on the depth chart, so I believe Padlo will be second on the chopping block (behind Godoy) when the Mariners are forced to make cuts next spring.