The Seattle Mariners invited several players to spring training who have the opportunity to break camp with the team.
It happens to almost every team every season. Players who aren’t expected to make the roster wow everyone with great performances in camp. This year, the Seattle Mariners invited several veteran players to spring training who could fit that bill.
The M’s have an interesting group of spring training invitees who have been invited to the roster.
The familiar
Right off the bat, the two relievers the Seattle Mariners brought to camp could land on the Opening Day roster. Both have performed well for the team in the past.
Casey Sadler’s promising 2021 season ended in late July when the M’s relief pitcher underwent shoulder surgery. In that time, he had a 0.67 ERA and 0.72 WHIP in 40.1 innings over 42 appearances.
He returned to the Mariners in 2022, but re-injured his shoulder in spring training. A free agent this winter, the best Sadler could do was sign a minor league contract with an invite to camp.
The M’s record holder for consecutive shutouts has great stuff when he’s healthy.
During the COVID-shortened 2020 season, Taylor Williams started the season as Seattle’s closer. The Camas, Washington High School product had 6 saves before going to San Diego in the Austin Nola trade.
Since leaving his home state, Williams has struggled to stay in the majors. The Mariners signed him to a minor league deal last year after San Francisco waived him midseason, and he finished the year in Tacoma.
Chris Flexen is on many “to be traded” lists. If the Seattle Mariners move him in the spring, that’s another open roster spot that one of these relievers could fill.
Never say goodbye
There’s an old saying in baseball. “Being a left-handed pitcher means never saying goodbye.” With unreliable options like Brennan Bernadino, Tayler Saucedo and Gabe Speyer on the 40-man roster, there is an opportunity for a non-roster.
Nick Margevicius pitched for the M’s in 2020 and 2021. He struggled to an 8.25 ERA last season before thoracic outlet syndrome ended it in May.
Seattle was Tommy Milone’s final stop in a journeyman 9-team, 12-year MLB career. He failed to impress last season, posting a 5.40 ERA in 16.2 innings.
This spring could be Justus Sheffield’s last chance with the Seattle Mariners. He has been a huge disappointment since being traded from the Yankees in 2018.
Backstops:
Funny how things work out sometimes. Cal Raleigh was a big part of Seattle’s playoff run last year. He might not even be on the team if Opening Day catcher Tom Murphy hadn’t dislocated his shoulder in May.
Murphy’s recovery did not go as expected and his season ended on June 23 when he opted for surgery. It is a serious injury for the catcher to come back from. who will say that he has?
If Murphy isn’t ready to start the season, the M’s have two former catchers in spring training. Both Jacob Nottingham and Brian O’Keefe are fringe major leaguers who could back up Reilly until Murphy is ready.
Bats
The alternative to that scenario is to draft recently acquired Cooper Hummel, the backup, and add another player.
Through 2022, Colin Moran had a career .267 batting average and a .747 OPS. He filled the floor last year in Cincinnati and is looking for another opportunity with a new team.
Mike Ford’s story is well known to Seattle Maripril. He can be a dangerous power hitter when he plays.