Mariners 2023 Report Cards: Dylan Moore Had a Down Year

Dylan Moore’s performance over the last few years has been uneven. While the 2022 season was an "up" year, 2023 was a "down" year.

Dylan Moore's Path to the Seattle Mariners

The Rangers initially drafted Moore in the June 2015 amateur draft from the University of Central Florida. They sent him to Atlanta in August 2016 and Atlanta let him go during Spring Training 2018. He signed with the Milwaukee Brewers and excelled in the Brewers’ farm system. Although he started out as a shortstop, along the way he became a utility player, additionally playing second base, third base, and in the outfield.

When Kyle Seager was put on the Injured List in March 2019, Moore signed with the Mariners and debuted on March 20, 2019 in the big leagues. 2023 was Moore’s fifth season with Seattle and he played almost every position except catcher at some point. This past season was the first of a three-year contract with Seattle that he signed with the Mariners in February of this year.

Injuries

Injuries plagued Moore this season. In the offseason, he had surgery to repair one of his core muscles. Then in Spring Training, he suffered a left oblique strain. Seattle reinstated Moore in early June and he spent some time playing in Everett and Tacoma prior to returning to Seattle.

The 2022 and 2023 Seasons

The last three seasons have had up-and-down results with the poorest numbers in 2023. The prior season, 2022, was an up season for Moore. In 104 games, he hit six home runs, stole 21 bases, and had an OPS of .753, the seventh-highest on the team. This year, Moore played in 67 games, had seven home runs, and stole seven bases. His OPS was .731, in 10th place on the team.

Many of Moore's hits this season came in the Mariners' August drive. Dylan Moore made two key contributions, however, to the Mariners' final 4 game series against Texas. In Game 1, his single in the bottom of the ninth inning allowed him to score with Cal Raleigh on a J.P. Crawford double. Given that the Mariners won by one run, his run was vital. In the third game, in the top of the third inning, Moore made a fantastic diving catch in left field that frustrated Marcus Semien and ended the inning.

Dylan Moore Earned a C

I give Dylan Moore a C for the 2023 season. While he had a fWAR of 2.1 in 2022, he dropped to an fWAR of .7 in 2023. I am uncertain, however, about the extent to which either or both of his injuries contributed to a “down” season.

If he continues the trend, 2024 should be an “up” season for him. I am looking forward to it!