Three new Seattle Mariners to keep an eye on in Spring Training

New Mariner to watch #3 OF/1B Luke Raley

OF/1B Luke Raley was acquired by the Mariners in a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays for infielder Jose Caballero. The Mariners needed to add outfield and first base depth after the departures of OF Jarred Kelenic, OF Teoscar Hernandez, and 1B Mike Ford. Raley is another intriguing piece the Mariners added this off-season because he is a multi-versatile player who can play in the infield and the outfield.

While Raley is likely to play one of the corner outfield positions, right field is probably where he will play given he played 35 games for the Rays at that position in 2023. He split time between right and left field, along with first base, but right field was where Raley started the most. Though outfield is where Raley is expected to play, his position flexibility also provides depth at first base.

The Mariners are hoping Raley provides them with power after departures from Teoscar Hernandez and Eugenio Suarez. Raley slugged .490 last season, with 19 HR, and 45 total extra base hits in 118 games. Raley will want to return to his first half form from last season where he posted a .925 OPS. He has been known to hammer right handed pitching in his career, with a .456 slugging percentage against right handed starters. Raley's power should be on full display in Spring Training.