Mariners 2022 Report Cards: Sam Haggerty

The Seattle Mariners have a long list of cult heroes; Bucky Jacobson, Daniel Vogelbach, Willie Bloomquist, and Endy Chavez are just a few who’ve inspired good vibes in the fan base. These unlikely contributors made the most of their time in the lineup by providing the big hit, offering positional flexibility, or a homerun robbery for the ages. In addition, their play on the diamond created an opportunity to make their mark on the team’s history. The latest on the list, Sam Haggerty, checked many boxes for the 2022 Mariners. So let’s take a look at his report card for this season.

Sam Haggerty earns a B grade on his 2022 report card.

The diminutive but speedy utility player started the year in Tacoma (AAA), as Abraham Toro landed the gig out of Spring Training. He would show off his speed and surprising power for the Rainiers until Dylan Moore landed on the 10-day IL in late May. Unfortunately, that first stint with the team wasn’t fruitful (.250/.320), mainly because Toro continued to gobble up most of the utility at-bats. Sam would return to Tacoma on June 17th to coincide with Moore’s return from injury.

It wasn’t until his promotion on June 29th that we saw Haggerty’s impact in all facets of the game. In that first game back, he had three hits, two for extra bases, and added a stolen base for good measure in a 9 -3 Mariner win over the upstart Orioles. That performance was just the tip of the iceberg, as Sam also displayed his flair for the dramatic with homers off Yankee All-Star Nestor Cortes and this shot that snapped a scoreless game against Max Fried’s Atlanta Braves.

He would end up playing four positions for Manager Scott Servais; all three outfield spots and a few spot starts at second base. Per Fangraphs, Haggerty’s above-average contact ability, versatility, speed, and above solid defense would amount to a 2.2 WAR season.  This is the type of player good teams have on their bench.

Haggerty would end up playing a key role in filling in for injured outfielders, Julio Rodriguez and Mitch Haniger, throughout the season. At times he looked over-exposed, but the 29-year-old switch hitter finished the season with a final line of .256/.335/.403 and 13 SB. Those numbers amount to a solid bench piece. Not to mention, that headband looks like a keeper, and Sam just might be as well.