Mariners Bold Prediction #3: Ryan Bliss steals over 30 bases... for the Mariners
Many think that Ryan Bliss was the true gem that came over in the Paul Sewald trade, not Canzone or Rojas. He went to Tacoma for the final 47 games of the 2023 campaign and would slash .251/.356/.466. He ended up with 10 HR and 20 SB for the Rainiers, a constant menace on the bases.
Maybe Rojas struggles a bit. Maybe there is just an opening come Late May after an injury, or it's such a good start by Bliss in Tacoma that they have to give him a chance in the bigs.
He grabs it, stealing two bases in his first game. He never lets up, showing a lot of the same stats the Cabby did last year, except with more pop. Bliss finishes the 2024 season with 8 HR and 35 SB for the Mariners, even snagging a couple ROY votes (late ones) with a 2.7 WAR.
It's the steals that shine for Bliss though, as they are able to use him as a pinch runner late and often to take advantage of the speed. It just so happens that the Mariners have a slow hitter who, when healthy, can really rake. Speaking of...