Daniel Kramer, MLB.com’s Mariners beat reporter, held an “Ask Me Anything” this week on Reddit with Mariners fans at r/Mariners. This mailbag features excerpted questions and answers from that event (some lightly edited for clarity). The full AMA is available to read here.
Realistically, and from your professional viewpoint, when should the fans expect this team to contend for a championship? How far away are we right now?
There are a lot of roster pieces here that have ingredients to be an October contender, but behind the scenes, the front office also recognizes that there are plenty of avenues to improve. Sources have said that they’re prioritizing the corner infield spots to add an impact bat, as well as at least one more leverage arm for the bullpen.
Even with the promising turnaround from veteran first baseman Donovan Solano and the plus defense from rookie third baseman Ben Williamson, those spots are the clearest avenues for upgrades. Yet, with what’s expected to be a seller’s market -- and potentially limited bats available -- the club is operating with the logic that trying to acquire the best bat(s) available, regardless of position, could be on the table, too. It might be a situation where they do so and figure out positional alignment from there.
That said, we all know that the blueprint of their success has been built on starting pitching, with justifiable conviction from the front office that they can go toe-to-toe with anyone in a shortened, postseason series sheerly on the shoulders of their rotation. Yet, their starters have had far more ups and downs this season than anyone could’ve envisioned. Injuries have obviously played a big part in that, but for this team to emerge as a legit title contender three months from now, they’ll need that group to be pitching at the caliber it was last season, when their rotation was one of the best in the sport.
What do you think happens with Harry Ford? Does he get moved or does he get called up sometime in the second half?
At this rate, it seems unlikely that he’ll make his MLB debut before the Trade Deadline. The Mariners have been adamant about keeping him mostly behind the plate, and he probably faces one of the biggest logjams in the sport at his position among a Top 100 prospect. And that’s not just including Cal Raleigh, but also Mitch Garver, who despite his struggles among many veterans on this roster who’ve experienced them, still has roster value as the backup catcher. Garver is also earning $12.5 million this season, and the Mariners have already moved on from Mitch Haniger ($15.5 million) and Rowdy Tellez ($1.5 million). There’s also the reality that if Ford comes up then struggles, it could significantly diminish his value on the trade market.
That said, all of these factors could change after July 31. The Mariners wouldn’t be protecting Ford’s trade value, Garver’s remaining salary won’t be as high and the Mariners will have post-Deadline roster clarity to see how Ford fits. Because when he does come up -- which at this rate, seems likely in 2025, even if it’s later on -- the Mariners will want him to play regularly.
Who are the Mariners getting at the Trade Deadline? And if they end up acquiring those players, do you think it'll be enough to get them into the playoffs?
They are in position to be one of the boldest teams in this year’s market, given their prospect capital from MLB Pipeline’s No. 5-ranked farm system, and that sources have said that ownership will green light increased spending at this year’s Deadline. But the market will obviously be dictated by who’s available -- which in turn will be dictated by which teams decide to buy or sell. This would be a prime year for a player like Manny Machado (2018), Trea Turner (2021) or Juan Soto (2022) to be available -- because the Mariners would have the ability to make a legitimate offer -- but that level of impact bat just isn’t out there this season.
The two big teams to watch are Baltimore and Arizona.
The Orioles have long looked like a prime trade partner, possessing a bevy of young bats and a need for starting pitching. First baseman Ryan O’Hearn is likely to be moved, and given his impending free-agent status, likely wouldn’t cost a haul. Same for outfielder Cedric Mullins, though he isn’t producing like the All-Star he was in 2021. And reliever Félix Bautista would be an intriguing power arm, if he’s made available.
The D-backs make the most sense, especially given their fourth-place standing in the crowded NL West and that they’ve regularly done business with the Mariners. First baseman Josh Naylor was linked to the Mariners last offseason before he was traded from Cleveland to Arizona, and yes, Seattle is considering the obvious reunion with third baseman Eugenio Suárez, the clubhouse and fan favorite from 2022-23.
The Red Sox, meanwhile, have become the team to watch. In the wake of the Rafael Devers saga and their continued struggles, if they were to become sellers, all of a sudden, their extended conversations with Seattle last offseason all of a sudden add immense intrigue. Outfielder Jarren Duran could be a name to watch.
More modest -- yet realistic -- targets could be Marlins right fielder Jesús Sánchez and Pirates infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa.
Is Tucker the labrador still around at home games? If so, who is Tucker's favorite player?
Yes, Tucker is still an everyday clubhouse denizen -- and constantly on the prowl. He obviously shows more love to those who share treats and has his many easy targets. Players or members of the baseball operations staff regularly play fetch with him before and after games, and he regularly pops out for a late-night hose down with the grounds crew. He’s brought a joyous levity to everyone in the organization, after both wins and losses. It was hilarious watching Logan Gilbert toss him a tennis ball last Sunday while throwing exclusively with his left, non-pitching hand.