3 Mariners players who have surprised us so far in Spring Training

3rd Surprising performance this Spring: Cade Marlowe, OF

Remember Cade Marlowe? You should because he debuted in the Majors last season. He was a cult favorite amongst Mariners fans, and he has had a great start to Spring Training. So far, he has 4 hits, a double, a home run, a stolen base, and has only struck out twice in his 13 at-bats. His home run came off of San Diego Padres ace Yu Darvish, so it was not a cheap home run by any means.

Cade hitting does not come as a shock, though. He .239/.330/.420/.750 in his short stint with the Mariners last year. He has monster stats in both AA and AAA in the minors, and he could be primed for a breakout season for the Mariners, should he make the big club and get playing time.

The problem is that he is a lefty-hitting outfielder, something the Mariners have a ton of. Yes, they traded away Jarred Kelenic, but they still have Marlowe, Dominic Canzone, Taylor Trammell, and Luke Raley, who they traded for earlier this offseason. That is a lot of lefty corner outfielders for just one or two spots. So far, Marlowe has made his push to be included on the 26-man roster, something I hope happens.

There is a ton of players to keep your eyes on this Spring, I only mentioned 3 of them. Relievers Reid Vanscoter and Jhonathan Diaz have had great starts to Spring Training, as well as Cody Bolton and Jackson Kowar. With injuries to Matt Brash and Gregory Santos, there are spots open for some of these guys.

As always, Go Mariners!