Ranking the Best Third Baseman in Mariners History

Mariners #2 Third Baseman: Adrian Beltre – 16.0 fWAR

In a way, I struggled with this. What it comes down to is sort of a common theme that will show up throughout this. The greatest Mariners player at a position is different than the Greatest player to play a position while on the Mariners. If you want to try and argue that Kyle Seager’s career is better than Adrian Beltre’s, then you are a moron. It’s that simple. Beltre is one of the greatest third basemen OF ALL TIME.

It’s too bad things didn’t work out better in Seattle. Seeing him dominating within the division was tough, especially since he did it for so long. If he could’ve stuck around, we wouldn’t have had Seager, but we would have had a HOFer on our hands. Mariners fans got upset when we suggested the team should take Seager’s number out of circulation. Beltre would’ve gone into Cooperstown.

It’s why we are only looking at Beltre’s time while he was on the Mariners. Beltre was actually below a 100 WRC+ when you combine everything together in his time in Seattle. The defense was on point though (other than 2007) and he ended up with a 19.0 fWAR in large part to the GG-worthy defense.

Other than his final season (WRC+ of 80) Beltre was actually pretty solid for the Mariners. He hit home runs, providing a decent middle-of-the-order bat while he was here. If he would’ve carried over the insane success he had in his final year as a Dodger or hit as he did in Boston or Texas, you could make the argument for putting him at the top of the list.

To me, he sticks at number 2, by himself. He’s well clear of third and well short of first. Beltre was a joy while he was here… just don’t touch his head.