With Monday’s big trade news, the Mariners accomplished one of their major off-season goals, shoring up the infield with the acquisition of Brendan Donovan. That leaves just one item on the off-season shopping list: a reliever to help bolster the bullpen. Obviously, we love us a Pile Guy™, and the staff has already started laying claim to some of our fave breakout picks: Nick is an Alex Hoppe-Hoper, ZAM has a crush on Cooper Criswell, and John just never got over a guy named Robinson (Ortiz, in this
case). Personally, I am still licking my wounds after going all-in on Adonis Medina last season and am slow to trust again. But relying on a waiver-wire-castoff reliever to be a steadying force in the bullpen is a risky proposition, despite the success the Mariners have had with that in the past. Commenter AJPDX listed out a few names to consider for free agent relievers in the Moose Tracks yesterday, so I thought we’d take a closer look at some of them today.
AJPDX’s original list was Danny Coulombe, Justin Wilson, Andrew Chafin, Evan Phillips, José Leclerc, Paul Sewald, Michael Kopech, Nick Martinez. I have a hard time seeing the Mariners adding a third lefty to the bullpen, so I think we can scratch Coulombe, Wilson, and Chafin (sorry to his site doppelganger Connor, who has always wanted the Mariners to sign Chafin).
Having scratched those guys, Nick Martinez is probably the most intriguing name left on the list to me, but I agree with AJPDX’s thought that Martinez probably wants another shot at starting—and given that after Framber Valdez signs he’ll be the best starter remaining by WAR, I think someone will give him a shot to do so.
Next are the injury guys. José Leclerc, who the A’s gave $10M to last season, had season-ending rotator cuff surgery in July. He could be ready for spring training, but is likely not on a regular ramp-up schedule. Evan Phillips had TJ in June and won’t be ready until after the All-Star Break; he also reportedly prefers a straight one-year deal rather than the two-year deal some pitchers have signed post-TJ, making him a tough fit. Paul Sewald is coming off injury and is 36. Michael Kopech also has a lengthy injury history, including last season, and has had problems commanding the zone his whole career, but he offers the highest upside out of this group.
Beyond those guys, the list of available options is…not. Most everyone left has signed or retired. The steadiest hand left might be Luke Jackson, who was with the team last season.
At this point, the Mariners have built a pile and their in-house options likely outstrip anything left on the market. A minor trade is always a possibility as teams finalize their rosters prior to spring training, and feels likelier to me if they’re adding anyone than signing one of the leftover relievers. If you have a favorite target, please toss it in the comments – or if you’re willing to throw your lot in with one of the pitching pile guys, say so. This is a safe space.
