Uncertainty reigns as MLB offseason of CBA negotiations and labor strife begins
This week's general managers meetings suggested a winter of unknowns, rule changes and a lot of waiting, Pedro Moura writes.NOVEMBER 12, 2021
SEATTLE MARINERS 85-77 · 2ND IN AL WEST
85-77 · 2ND IN AL WEST
Brewers hire Ozzie Timmons, Connor Dawson as hitting coaches
The Milwaukee Brewers will go with multiple hitting coaches next season after hiring Ozzie Timmons and Connor Dawson to replace the fired Andy HainesNOVEMBER 11, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
J.P. Crawford - 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
Evan White - Set for normal offseason White (hip) has resumed taking part in baseball activities and is expected to have a normal offseason program, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.
Impact The 25-year-old underwent hip surgery in July and was limited to 30 games in 2021, as Ty France took over the everyday role at first base for Seattle. France is now set to open 2022 as the starting first baseman, per Divish, while White will work in left field during the offseason and spring training to try and add some versatility to his game. White had a .599 OPS in 54 games during the shortened campaign in 2020, and his main positive was his defense as he won a Gold Glove, so he'll need to produce more offensively next season to have a chance of sticking around the big-league roster.
NOVEMBER 10, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Ty France - Sticking at first base President of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto said Tuesday the Mariners will begin the 2022 season with France as the team's starting first baseman, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Time...
Impact France is primarily viewed as more of a second baseman by trade, but he offers strong versatility and spent most of his time at first base in 2021 to go along with 19 appearances at the keystone and five at third base. Even though he's not the prototypical power bat at first, the 27-year-old produced at the plate with a .291/.368/.445 slash line, 18 homers, 32 doubles, 73 RBI and 85 runs in 650 plate appearances.
NOVEMBER 10, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Mariners' Scott Servais named a finalist for AL Manager of the Year Mariners manager Scott Servais has been named a finalist for the American League Manager of the Year award after the Mariners won 90 games i...
NOVEMBER 9, 2021 • SEATTLETIMES.COM
Most critical offseason in club history? Mariners primed to augment roster In addition to an impact bat for the infield and a starting pitcher (or two), the Mariners would like to add an outfielder.
NOVEMBER 8, 2021 • THEATHLETIC.COM
Analysis: How Mariners GM Jerry Dipoto could get Seattle's offseason overhaul started at GM meetings For the first time since he was hired, Mariners GM Jerry Dipoto has the freedom to build a roster without heavy payroll constraints. Here's...
NOVEMBER 6, 2021 • SEATTLETIMES.COM
Mariners trading block: 5 players who could get moved this offseason Losing a player like Brandon Williamson might hurt, but it could help the Mariners get over the top in 2022.
NOVEMBER 5, 2021 • THEATHLETIC.COM
From Carlos Correa to Albert Pujols: 11 questions that will define the MLB offseason
Hot stove season is already here! Jordan Shusterman breaks down the 11 most pressing questions for the MLB offseason.NOVEMBER 4, 2021
Surprise! Yusei Kikuchi walks away from $13 million option with Mariners Kikuchi adds another intriguing arm to what is considered to be an already-strong class of available pitchers.
NOVEMBER 3, 2021 • THEATHLETIC.COM
The World Series is over. Here's what's next on the calendar for the Mariners and other MLB teams Now that the World Series is over, the offseason officially begins in earnest. Here are some important dates for you to know going forward.
NOVEMBER 3, 2021 • SEATTLETIMES.COM
Kikuchi chooses free agency after Mariners decline option
Left-handed pitcher Yusei Kikuchi is leaving the Seattle Mariners after the team declined a club option on the All-Star and Kikuchi opted for free agencyNOVEMBER 3, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
Hot corner, hot question: Whom do the Mariners turn to at third base? There are several avenues the Mariners could choose to replace Kyle Seager at third base.
NOVEMBER 2, 2021 • THEATHLETIC.COM
Sources: Mariners have declined 2022 option for longtime third baseman Kyle Seager Kyle Seager’s emotional farewell to fans and teammates in the Mariners’ 2021 season finale was filled with ovations, tears and hugs.
OCTOBER 31, 2021 • CHARLOTTEOBSERVER.COM
Dominican Winter League offers excitement for fans, proving ground for future stars
Many big leaguers, including Braves and Astros, have honed their games in the Dominican Winter League, Jake Mintz writes.OCTOBER 28, 2021
Mariners outright Jake Bauers to Class AAA Tacoma On Wednesday, the Mariners announced that the versatile Jake Bauers, who can play first base and both corner outfield positions, had cleared...
OCTOBER 27, 2021 • SEATTLETIMES.COM
Jake Bauers - Cast off 40-man roster The Mariners outrighted Bauers to Triple-A Tacoma on Wednesday.
Impact After being acquired from Cleveland on June 10, Bauers proceeded to hit .220 with two home runs and six stolen bases across 182 at-bats with the Mariners. The lack of power from a corner-outfield bat made it tough for the Mariners to justify keeping Bauers on the 40-man roster heading into the offseason, and none of baseball's other 29 organizations were willing to dedicate a spot to the 26-year-old either when he was available on waivers. Bauers should still get the chance to compete for a bench role with the Mariners in spring training, assuming he doesn't elect free agency.
OCTOBER 27, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Ken Griffey Jr. joins Mariners' ownership group The "Kid" who helped made baseball cool, the All-Star center fielder who helped keep baseball in Seattle, the Hall of Famer who has a statue...
OCTOBER 25, 2021 • SACBEE.COM
Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. joins Mariners ownership group
Seattle Mariners legend Ken Griffey Jr. is joining the team's ownership groupOCTOBER 25, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
Darren McCaughan - Removed from 40-man roster McCaughan was outrighted to Triple-A Tacoma on Friday.
Impact McCaughan appeared in two games for the Mariners in late July and spend the rest of the season at the Triple-A level. He posted a 4.53 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 99:17 K:BB over 115.1 innings for Tacoma and has now been removed from the 40-man roster heading into the offseason.
OCTOBER 22, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Sam Haggerty - Removed from 40-man roster Haggerty (shoulder) was outrighted to Triple-A Tacoma on Friday.
Impact Haggerty missed most of the season while dealing with a right shoulder injury. He hit .186/.247/.291 in 35 games prior to hitting the injured list, so it's unsurprising that he passed through waivers unclaimed.
OCTOBER 22, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Marcus Wilson - Outrighted off roster Wilson was outrighted to Triple-A Tacoma on Friday.
Impact Wilson was claimed off waivers from the Red Sox in early August but didn't see the field at the big-league level in either Boston or Seattle. He hit a respectable .240/.364/.421 at the Triple-A level with the two organizations, good for a 110 wRC+, but he struck out in 33.4 percent of his plate appearances.
OCTOBER 22, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Shed Long Jr. - Undergoes surgery Long underwent surgery to address a stress fracture in right leg in mid-October, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.
Impact The 26-year-old was outrighted to Triple-A Tacoma on Friday, and his agent, Nate Heisler, detailed the injury in the wake of the move. Long played through a stress fracture in both of the last two seasons, which may partially explain his .184/.250/.325 slash line in 68 games over that stretch. A similar surgery last offseason didn't wind up leading to the desired result on the field, but he'll hope for better luck this time around. He expects to be ready for spring training but will likely be suiting up for a new team, as he'll become a free agent after the World Series.
OCTOBER 22, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
