Ranking the Best Designated Hitters in Seattle Mariners History

Mariners Edgar Martinez — OAKLAND, CA – JUNE 24: Edgar Martinez #11 of the Seattle Mariners prepares to bat during a game against the Oakland Athletics at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on June 24, 1992 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

Mariners #1 DH: Edgar Martinez – 65.3 fWAR

Out of every single one of these, this is the one that was clear and away the most obvious. Yeah, there’s Griffey and A-Rod. Even Ichiro. But it’s Edgar Martinez. You could argue he’s the greatest Mariners player of all-time. There’s no argument at all here at DH.

Nelson Cruz was pretty darn good in his time with the Mariners. He had a 13.2 fWAR over that first three-year stretch. However, Edgar had a run that was much better. Check out these numbers.

1990 – 5.5
1991 – 5.7
1992 – 6.0
1993 – 0.2
1994 – 3.0
1995 – 7.0
1996 – 5.9
1997 – 6.1
1998 – 5.5
1999 – 5.3
2000 – 5.3
2001 – 4.7

He was hurt in 93, and the lockout happened in 94. Outside of those years, look at the amazing consistency by Edgar. The dude hit and hit and hit, and then he hit some more. Shoot, from 1995-2000, Edgar would hit .332/.449/.579, averaging 42 2B and 29 HR, with 103 R and 110 RBI, with an OPS+ of 164. His worst combined season numbers would be .322/.423/.554, with 31 2B and 24 HR, along with 86 R and 86 RBI. Imagine that being your worst combined numbers in a six-year stretch.

Edgar is the GOAT at DH, and to me, it’s not that close. Long live Edgar.

Mariners #1 DH: Edgar Martinez – 65.3 fWAR

Schedule