Looks like everyday shortstop Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto said Tuesday that Crawford will be the team's starting shortstop in 2022, Jon Morosi of MLB Network reports. Impact Dipoto noted that Crawford's presence would dissuade the Mariners from pursuing free-agent shortstops such as Marcus Semien, Javier Baez or Trevor Story, but any potential additions would seemingly be in line to move to another position to keep Crawford entrenched at his normal spot. Crawford has proven to be a plus defender at shortstop throughout his career, but it wasn't until 2021 that he emerged as a league-average hitter. He wrapped up the past campaign with a .257/.333/.380 slash line to go with 12 home runs, 57 RBI, 82 runs and nine stolen bases, but he could see his production suffer in the latter two categories if the Mariners bring in a more established leadoff option this offseason.
NOVEMBER 10, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
