Under-the-radar Mariner #2 OF Cade Marlowe
Cade Marlowe was successful in clutch situations last year for the Mariners. Filling in nicely for Jarred Kelenic while he was on the disabled list. Marlowe now has less competition for a roster following a trade of Mariners OF Zach DeLoach to the White Sox in a deal that brought RHP Gregory Santos to the M's. After a strong year in 2023 for AAA Tacoma, DeLoach was expected to compete with Marlowe for a roster spot in 2024 and would have been a tough challenger for a backup outfielder spot.
The Mariners added Luke Raley and Mitch Haniger to replace starting outfielders Jarred Kelenic and Teoscar Hernandez. However, even with those acquisitions, there should be an opportunity for Marlowe to make the Mariners roster out of Spring Training. Marlowe not only can make spot starts in the outfield, he also can be used as a defensive replacement, and a pinch runner. In 2023, Marlowe had a .239/.330/.420 slash line in 34 games for the M's, along with three home runs, four stolen bases, and 11 RBI.
For Marlowe, having a healthy and strong spring could land him a spot on the Mariners roster. His only competition for a backup outfield position appears to be Sam Haggerty and Taylor Trammell. The Mariners were fortunate to be able to hold onto Marlowe despite trading three outfielders this off-season. Marlowe will be an intriguing outfielder to follow this spring.