2021-2022 Mariners offseason/free agency thread

[NWinAZ]

We haven't discussed Mitch Haniger much and I'm wondering what you guys make of this,

Mariners position overview: Seattle has an everyday right fielder in Mitch Haniger, but for how long?

Mitch Haniger looks more comfortable than in seasons past and has become more vocal. Along the way, a noticeable joy emerged from Haniger, breaking through his normally serious and stoic façade.

www.seattletimes.com

"And of course, there is the lingering understanding that this could and probably will be Mitch Haniger’s last year in a Mariners uniform, which offers him some freedom in sharing his thoughts and opinions publicly and bluntly."

What do you guys make of this? I know we have a ton of exciting young outfielders, and Haniger does have his injury concerns, but for a team in a win-now mode I'd find it surprising if they let Haniger walk next offseason when he currently projects as the best hitter on the roster.

I recall reading that he has declined contract extension negotiations, but after reading his article he wrote in The Players Tribune, Haniger does seem like a guy who wants to win a championship here so it would seem he wants to stay?

Do you guys think Divish feels this way because Haniger wants to play for another team? Or that given the depth we have at outfield he wouldn't be a priority to retain? Or that giving a guy with his injury history a contract that is commensurate with his production wouldn't be product? Kind of confused by this.

@NWinAZ @SeattleCoug @wazzu31 @ulmax What do you guys think?

Ya I almost posted that the other day when I read it, but then thought it wasn't a lot of fact attached to the article. More speculation on Divish's part I thought. But I go back to what Dipoto said last year when asked about extending Haniger which he replied it takes two to get an extension done. I am paraphrasing, but he indicated that Haniger had no interest in extending which for me is the first reason I have for trading him. Get something for him now and don't let him Arod on you.

 

[seahawksfan234]

If Cruz is the Cruz of the last several years, then he is the best man for the job and would be way better than any other option therefor he wouldn't be clogging anything up. Like I have said many times before, saving a spot for an unproven guy (in this case due to injuries) is a failed plan. A spot will always open up in a 162 games season. It always does.

Good point.

I wouldn't be entirely opposed to shopping Kyle Lewis and looking to Cruz to man the DH position. I would say the biggest issue with this course of action is that we would be selling low on Lewis and it could come back to hurt us.

On the other hand, we might actually not be selling low on him. Based on his medical history I think there is a compelling argument that Lewis will always deal with knee injuries.

I actually think that Lewis poses more of a problem for us in terms of roster building given the fact that we don't know if he can stay healthy. I didn't realize this, but in 3 years Lewis has only played in 112 games.

It wouldn't be a sexy PR move, but I actually think moving Lewis could help us as we wouldn't have to worry about the uncertainty of his availability.

 

[seahawksfan234]

Ya I almost posted that the other day when I read it, but then thought it wasn't a lot of fact attached to the article. More speculation on Divish's part I thought. But I go back to what Dipoto said last year when asked about extending Haniger which he replied it takes two to get an extension done. I am paraphrasing, but he indicated that Haniger had no interest in extending which for me is the first reason I have for trading him. Get something for him now and don't let him Arod on you.

If I recall correctly, prior to Haniger getting that awful testicular injury I saw something about how he wasn't open to contract talks. Perhaps something changed, but that article indicated the Mariners haven't reached out to him regarding an extension. I have to speculate that the 2021 season made him change his mind and want to stay here but the Mariners don't want to give him a sizable extension given his age, injury history and the depth we have at outfield.

I agree that we shouldn't just let him walk without getting anything for him, but what would that look like? Would the Mariners really be willing to trade their best hitter before the 2022 season? Anyone who would be interested in him would be a contender and likely wouldn't want to give up anything other than prospects so it's hard to envision a scenario where the Mariners trade Haniger and are somehow better in 2022 and beyond unless they sold him for more prospects.

 

[seahawksfan234]

How can you turn this down? Insane.

Maybe he thinks he can get more on the open market or doesn't want to be playing for the Nationals. Hard to say.

Could also be a tax issue. If I was a player I wouldn't want to sign a contract in a state that has an income tax. Not sure what the write offs look like for that since I've only filed taxes in Washington state, but a state income tax can really eat into that money.

 

[NWinAZ]

If I recall correctly, prior to Haniger getting that awful testicular injury I saw something about how he wasn't open to contract talks. Perhaps something changed, but that article indicated the Mariners haven't reached out to him regarding an extension. I have to speculate that the 2021 season made him change his mind and want to stay here but the Mariners don't want to give him a sizable extension given his age, injury history and the depth we have at outfield.

I agree that we shouldn't just let him walk without getting anything for him, but what would that look like? Would the Mariners really be willing to trade their best hitter before the 2022 season? Anyone who would be interested in him would be a contender and likely wouldn't want to give up anything other than prospects so it's hard to envision a scenario where the Mariners trade Haniger and are somehow better in 2022 and beyond unless they sold him for more prospects.

Dipoto sounded as if he did reach out last year and Haniger shut him down.

I think trading him is the best thing for the team. You can get some prospects back or a starter and replace him with a few free agent options. I am fine with that because it could be one step back but two steps forward which is the opposite for them.

 

[NWinAZ]

Maybe he thinks he can get more on the open market or doesn't want to be playing for the Nationals. Hard to say.

Could also be a tax issue. If I was a player I wouldn't want to sign a contract in a state that has an income tax. Not sure what the write offs look like for that since I've only filed taxes in Washington state, but a state income tax can really eat into that money.

I will gladly pay any state tax currently out there on a $350M check. He is one Kyle Lewis injury away from being worth $3.50. These guys deserve what they can get, but look at Isaiah Thomas in the NBA. They predicted he lost $100M because of the injury.

 

[wazzu31]

We haven't discussed Mitch Haniger much and I'm wondering what you guys make of this,

Mariners position overview: Seattle has an everyday right fielder in Mitch Haniger, but for how long?

Mitch Haniger looks more comfortable than in seasons past and has become more vocal. Along the way, a noticeable joy emerged from Haniger, breaking through his normally serious and stoic façade.

www.seattletimes.com

"And of course, there is the lingering understanding that this could and probably will be Mitch Haniger’s last year in a Mariners uniform, which offers him some freedom in sharing his thoughts and opinions publicly and bluntly."

What do you guys make of this? I know we have a ton of exciting young outfielders, and Haniger does have his injury concerns, but for a team in a win-now mode I'd find it surprising if they let Haniger walk next offseason when he currently projects as the best hitter on the roster.

I recall reading that he has declined contract extension negotiations, but after reading his article he wrote in The Players Tribune, Haniger does seem like a guy who wants to win a championship here so it would seem he wants to stay?

Do you guys think Divish feels this way because Haniger wants to play for another team? Or that given the depth we have at outfield he wouldn't be a priority to retain? Or that giving a guy with his injury history a contract that is commensurate with his production wouldn't be product? Kind of confused by this.

@NWinAZ @SeattleCoug @wazzu31 @ulmax What do you guys think?

I don’t think this is Mitch’s last year. If it were IMO Jerry would’ve dealt him last year. I think he will resign and he will rotate between DH and RF. Though my opinion could change if he become vocal about playing in the field every day.

 

[wazzu31]

Dipoto sounded as if he did reach out last year and Haniger shut him down.

I think trading him is the best thing for the team. You can get some prospects back or a starter and replace him with a few free agent options. I am fine with that because it could be one step back but two steps forward which is the opposite for them.

But would Jerry have done that last year? IMO his value will never be higher than it was pre deadline last year where the league desperately needed offense and he was playing his best ball at that time. I think Haniger is like Marco where he is a Jerry guy. We talk about O’Neill but forget about Marte.

 

[SeattleCoug]

We haven't discussed Mitch Haniger much and I'm wondering what you guys make of this,

Mariners position overview: Seattle has an everyday right fielder in Mitch Haniger, but for how long?

Mitch Haniger looks more comfortable than in seasons past and has become more vocal. Along the way, a noticeable joy emerged from Haniger, breaking through his normally serious and stoic façade.

www.seattletimes.com

"And of course, there is the lingering understanding that this could and probably will be Mitch Haniger’s last year in a Mariners uniform, which offers him some freedom in sharing his thoughts and opinions publicly and bluntly."

What do you guys make of this? I know we have a ton of exciting young outfielders, and Haniger does have his injury concerns, but for a team in a win-now mode I'd find it surprising if they let Haniger walk next offseason when he currently projects as the best hitter on the roster.

I recall reading that he has declined contract extension negotiations, but after reading his article he wrote in The Players Tribune, Haniger does seem like a guy who wants to win a championship here so it would seem he wants to stay?

Do you guys think Divish feels this way because Haniger wants to play for another team? Or that given the depth we have at outfield he wouldn't be a priority to retain? Or that giving a guy with his injury history a contract that is commensurate with his production wouldn't be product? Kind of confused by this.

@NWinAZ @SeattleCoug @wazzu31 @ulmax What do you guys think?

From everything I had read previously the team had never approached him regarding an extension. If he duplicates what he did last year, I would be ok extending him a qualifying offer (although that system is likely changing??)

Haniger's future with the team still depends on lots of unknowns. Can Lewis stay healthy and play in the field? Can Kelenic take the next step? How far does Julio progress and factor in the next 12 months? Can either Fraley or Trammell prove they are more then just roster depth? Do they sign any other FAs that can play the OF (Suzuki/Conforto/etc.?)

I don't think it's necessarily an easy decision either way. To be fair to Haniger he has produced almost always when he has been healthy. He is also a very tough person to project what he would command on the open market since he's not young either.

 

[SeattleCoug]

Maybe he thinks he can get more on the open market or doesn't want to be playing for the Nationals. Hard to say.

Could also be a tax issue. If I was a player I wouldn't want to sign a contract in a state that has an income tax. Not sure what the write offs look like for that since I've only filed taxes in Washington state, but a state income tax can really eat into that money.

It could be a combination, but I think Soto could easily get $100 mil more then that. He's arguably a top 5 bat and only 23. I can't blame him for not wanting to get screwed like Acuna did

 

[SeattleCoug]

But would Jerry have done that last year? IMO his value will never be higher than it was pre deadline last year where the league desperately needed offense and he was playing his best ball at that time. I think Haniger is like Marco where he is a Jerry guy. We talk about O’Neill but forget about Marte.

I think between 2018-2019 was the time to deal him. Whatever team got him would have had four years of control at that point and the Mariners essentially launched their rebuild then.

 

[wazzu31]

I think between 2018-2019 was the time to deal him. Whatever team got him would have had four years of control at that point and the Mariners essentially launched their rebuild then.

I guess but IMO dude had like 4 months of really good baseball then has been hurt so I can’t see how his value would’ve ever been as high as last year. Right now I don’t think the Mariners could flip him right now for any legitimate prospect.

 

[NWinAZ]

I have mentioned this several times on here now and it seems people are not believing it so here is the actual quote:
\
When Dipoto was asked about an extension for his right fielder a few months ago (article written October 22nd), he didn’t sound too hopeful.

“We are open to doing things like that,” Dipoto said on 710 ESPN Seattle in June. But he added “that has to be a marriage on both sides.”

 

[wazzu31]

I have mentioned this several times on here now and it seems people are not believing it so here is the actual quote:
\
When Dipoto was asked about an extension for his right fielder a few months ago (article written October 22nd), he didn’t sound too hopeful.

“We are open to doing things like that,” Dipoto said on 710 ESPN Seattle in June. But he added “that has to be a marriage on both sides.”

I don’t really thinks that means anything though. Why would Haniger want to resign before the new CBA? Of course Jerry would want it just like he wanted Gilbert and Kelenic to take the Evan White deal.

 

[ulmax]

We haven't discussed Mitch Haniger much and I'm wondering what you guys make of this,

Mariners position overview: Seattle has an everyday right fielder in Mitch Haniger, but for how long?

Mitch Haniger looks more comfortable than in seasons past and has become more vocal. Along the way, a noticeable joy emerged from Haniger, breaking through his normally serious and stoic façade.

www.seattletimes.com

"And of course, there is the lingering understanding that this could and probably will be Mitch Haniger’s last year in a Mariners uniform, which offers him some freedom in sharing his thoughts and opinions publicly and bluntly."

What do you guys make of this? I know we have a ton of exciting young outfielders, and Haniger does have his injury concerns, but for a team in a win-now mode I'd find it surprising if they let Haniger walk next offseason when he currently projects as the best hitter on the roster.

I recall reading that he has declined contract extension negotiations, but after reading his article he wrote in The Players Tribune, Haniger does seem like a guy who wants to win a championship here so it would seem he wants to stay?

Do you guys think Divish feels this way because Haniger wants to play for another team? Or that given the depth we have at outfield he wouldn't be a priority to retain? Or that giving a guy with his injury history a contract that is commensurate with his production wouldn't be product? Kind of confused by this.

@NWinAZ @SeattleCoug @wazzu31 @ulmax What do you guys think?

yeah...ryans ok...but...they say...all that stuff.....but that does not make julio a HR hitter...witch is what...you need..in RF...i dont see..how anyone can see him there.....yet...LF..yeah..
proto LF-RF..inverted...yeah..ok...cuz im with ya...kelenic can hit 30...HRs...im not sold...that julio.....can...yet

 

[ulmax]

Career Stats​

​

at bats..328..the most...12,13 hrs..lets call it 20 at 500...ok then...that lf..type numbers..right now...yeah..21 this year only 22 ...next...that is as young...as they come...prob Rf..by 26...i have no doubt...about that..next year..aaaahh i dont know​

Julio Rodríguez #85​

Seattle Mariners

• RF
• B/T: R/R
• 6' 3"/180
• Age: 21

Season	Team	LG	Level	G	AB	R	H	TB	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	IBB	SO	SB	CS	AVG	OBP	SLG	OPS	GO/AO
2018	DSL SEA	DSL	ROK	59	219	50	69	115	13	9	5	36	30	1	40	10	0	.315	.404	.525	.929	1.33
2019	2 teams	-	Minors	84	328	63	107	177	26	4	12	69	25	1	76	1	3	.326	.390	.540	.930	0.32
2021	2 teams	-	Minors	74	291	64	101	163	19	2	13	47	43	1	66	21	5	.347	.441	.560	1.001	1.82
Minors Career	-	-	Minors	217	838	177	277	455	58	15	30	152	98	3	182	32	8	.331	.412	.543	.955	1.06

Season
2018
2019
2021
Minors Career

Advanced Career Stats​

 

[ulmax]

RF rbis...
haniger..3rd

PLAYER	TEAM	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	SB	CS	AVG	OBP	SLG	OPS
1 TeoscarHernandez RF	TOR	143	550	92	163	29	0	32	116	36	148	12	4	.296	.346	.524	.870
2 NickCastellanos RF	CIN	138	531	95	164	38	1	34	100	41	121	3	1	.309	.362	.576	.938
2 MitchHaniger RF	SEA	157	620	110	157	23	2	39	100	54	169	1	0	.253	.318	.485	.803

RF aver...12th
Right Field

PLAYER	TEAM	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	SB	CS	AVG	OBP	SLG	OPS
1 JuanSoto RF	WSH	151	502	111	157	20	2	29	95	145	93	9	7	.313	.465	.534	.999
2 BryceHarper RF	PHI	141	488	101	151	42	1	35	84	100	134	13	3	.309	.429	.615	1.044
3 NickCastellanos RF	CIN	138	531	95	164	38	1	34	100	41	121	3	1	.309	.362	.576	.938
4 TeoscarHernandez RF	TOR	143	550	92	163	29	0	32	116	36	148	12	4	.296	.346	.524	.870
5 KyleTucker RF	HOU	140	506	83	149	37	3	30	92	53	90	14	2	.294	.359	.557	.916
6 AaronJudge RF	NYY	148	550	89	158	24	0	39	98	75	158	6	1	.287	.373	.544	.917
7 CharlieBlackmon RF	COL	150	514	76	139	25	4	13	78	54	91	3	0	.270	.351	.411	.762
8 DylanCarlson RF	STL	149	542	79	144	31	4	18	65	57	152	2	1	.266	.343	.437	.780
9 MookieBetts RF	LAD	122	466	93	123	29	3	23	58	68	86	10	5	.264	.367	.487	.854
10 AvisailGarcia RF	MIL	135	461	68	121	18	0	29	86	38	121	8	4	.262	.330	.490	.820
11 HunterRenfroe RF	BOS	144	521	89	135	33	0	31	96	44	130	1	2	.259	.315	.501	.816

12 MitchHaniger RF	SEA	157	620	110	157	23	2	39	100	54	169	1	0	.253	.318	.485	.803

ole divish..is prob just...an everyday....reporter...yesman....no big ..everyone needs a job..

 

[ulmax]

top 8 RF guys...are...stud ...stars...and that...is a fact.....jack...


Regular S

PLAYER	TEAM	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	SB	CS	AVG	OBP	SLG	OPS
1 MitchHaniger RF	SEA	157	620	110	157	23	2	39	100	54	169	1	0	.253	.318	.485	.803
1 AaronJudge RF	NYY	148	550	89	158	24	0	39	98	75	158	6	1	.287	.373	.544	.917
3 BryceHarper RF	PHI	141	488	101	151	42	1	35	84	100	134	13	3	.309	.429	.615	1.044
4 NickCastellanos RF	CIN	138	531	95	164	38	1	34	100	41	121	3	1	.309	.362	.576	.938
5 TeoscarHernandez RF	TOR	143	550	92	163	29	0	32	116	36	148	12	4	.296	.346	.524	.870
6 HunterRenfroe RF	BOS	144	521	89	135	33	0	31	96	44	130	1	2	.259	.315	.501	.816
7 KyleTucker RF	HOU	140	506	83	149	37	3	30	92	53	90	14	2	.294	.359	.557	.916

 

[ulmax]

and these guys..are as well............

8 AvisailGarcia RF	MIL	135	461	68	121	18	0	29	86	38	121	8	4	.262	.330	.490	.820
8 JuanSoto RF	WSH	151	502	111	157	20	2	29	95	145	93	9	7	.313	.465	.534	.999
10 JorgeSoler RF	ATL	149	516	74	115	27	0	27	70	67	142	0	0	.223	.316	.432	.748

 

[SeattleCoug]

I have mentioned this several times on here now and it seems people are not believing it so here is the actual quote:
\
When Dipoto was asked about an extension for his right fielder a few months ago (article written October 22nd), he didn’t sound too hopeful.

“We are open to doing things like that,” Dipoto said on 710 ESPN Seattle in June. But he added “that has to be a marriage on both sides.”

This however could mean they are lowballing him tho. Its tough to tell. I wanted him either extended or trade a couple of years ago and last year obviously if the team had even performed a little bit worse, a trade in season could have made sense. Now an extension is kind of awkward for both sides because I doubt they would see eye to eye.