Mariners roster projection 1.0: Former Royals top prospect snags roster spot

The Mariners officially turned the calendar on a disappointing end to the 2023 season by kicking off their Cactus League slate yesterday. The front office, led by the President of Baseball Operations Jerry Dipoto and general manager Justin Hollander, took players' feedback, conducted a little self-reflection, and reimagined the position player portion of the roster by acquiring five new faces. However, the bench and the bullpen should have some intriguing competition. 

With a concerted effort to add more contact, depth, and power to the lineup, the bench could look much different than in past seasons. Here's our first spring 26-man roster projection, including a speedy take on the Mariner bench. 

Catchers: Cal Raleigh, Seby Zavala

The 27-year-old Raleigh is a team leader and one of the most solid backstops in the league. Offensively, he's above his peers, leading all catchers in home runs the past two seasons while offering a unique switch-hitting skillset. 

In the past three years, we've seen the former Florida State University alum make significant strides defensively, specifically in blocking and pitch framing. He's always had a strong arm (87th percentile), evident in his inclusion in the top ten in caught stealing rate and outs above average amongst catchers. Newcomer Seby Zavala offers more of a defensive profile and contact approach from the backup catcher spot. 

First base: Ty France 

We've written extensively about Ty France and his work at Driveline this offseason. Early reports from Mariner spring training show a slimmed-down version with an added 3.5 mph in bat speed. A return to 2021-2022 Ty France could do wonders for this team and help solidify the bottom third of the lineup. 

France will never be mistaken for a true slugging corner infielder, but his contact-oriented approach is a much-needed element to the lineup. 

Second base: Jorge Polanco

Scott Servais has not had an everyday second baseman since Robinson Cano left town in a blockbuster trade with the Mets. That should all change this year with the 30-year-old Polanco. The former Minnesota Twin brings a unique contact and power blend that slots nicely in the three-hole behind Julio Rodriguez. 

Injuries will be a concern as Polanco had not played an entire season since 2021 when he was a 4-win player. 

Shortstop: J.P. Crawford

Crawford, the Mariners' vocal leader, took his game to another level last season thanks to an offseason spent at Driveline. The result was nearly a 5-WAR season from a guy playing a premium position. Additionally, he achieved career highs in multiple categories, including homers, runs batted in, and on-base percentage, to name a few. 

The 29-year-old shortstop is in the middle of his prime, which means there is probably even more in the tank. 

Third base: Luis Urias, Josh Rojas 

Even though there was smoke as recent as last week regarding Matt Chapman, the Mariners seem all in on a Rojas-Urias platoon at the hot corner. Urias suffered through an injury-riddled 2023 with Milwaukee and Boston, amounting to only .1 WAR in 52 games. Servais is banking on a return to 2021-2022 Urias when he was a two-win player for the Brewers. 

Rojas was a part of the oft-panned Paul Sewald trade with Arizona and performed well, slashing .271/.321/.721 in 46 games. 

Outfield: Dominic Canzone, Julio Rodriguez, Luke Raley, Mitch Haniger

Haniger, Raley, and Rodriguez should get the lion's share of playing time in the outfield grass. Haniger should be a stabilizing presence in the clubhouse and at the bottom of the lineup that this team sorely missed last season. 

There should be a considerable battle for the fourth outfielder spot, with Cade Marlowe, Dominic Canzone, and Taylor Trammell in the running. While Trammell is out of options, the odds are that it comes down to Canzone or Marlowe. The former Ohio State University alum, Canzone makes the cut due to his ability to play the corners, as well as first base, and provide high contact ability.

Designated Hitter: Mitch Garver

The last full-time designated hitter was Nelson Cruz. We've seen Servais mix and match based on platoon splits over the past few years. Dylan Moore, Mike Ford, and Sam Haggerty all saw time at the DH spot in 2023. Jerry Dipoto doled out his richest free agent deal as a Mariner executive to former Texas Ranger and 2023 World Series champion, Mitch Garver. 

The 33-year-old catcher should get most of the DH at-bat as the Mariners look to keep him healthy all season. Garver brings power and a great understanding of the strike zone, as referenced by his 12% walk rate and league-average strikeout rate. 

Utility: Samad Taylor 

Dylan Moore most likely has the inside track for a utility spot, considering his contract, positional versatility, and power potential. One thing to watch is his extremely high strikeout rates (30.5% for his five-year career). 

This offseason was all about the front office trying to bring players better aligned with their "Dominate the Zone" philosophy into the fold. If they genuinely want to follow the model, Samad Taylor could and should snag the 26th spot on the roster. He'd bring the same versatility, less power, but elite speed that could change games.