Mariners: Why They Will Make the Postseason

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Mar 10, 2017; Peoria, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners center fielder Jarrod Dyson (1) swings at a pitch against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning at Peoria Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

WAR and DRS

We will look at two stats: Wins Above Replacement (WAR) and Defensive Runs Saved (DRS). WAR is the amount of wins a player is worth to his team in comparison to an average replacement. DRS is how many runs the player saved while playing defense at their designated position.

Last season as a team, the Mariners got 24.5 WAR from their lineup. The hitters that have been replaced are Seth Smith, Nori Aoki, Ketel Marte and Adam Lind.

Taking their spots in the lineup are Dyson, Mitch Haniger, Segura and Danny Valencia. Let’s compare last year’s lineup and their 2016 WAR and DRS with those of their replacements.

Left Field

Nori Aoki: 1.5 WAR, -4 DRS

Jarrod Dyson: 3.1 WAR, 19 DRS

Comparison: Dyson was worth twice as many wins as Aoki, while saving 23 more runs in the outfield.

Right Field

Seth Smith: 0.5 WAR, -7 DRS

Mitch Haniger: 0.1 WAR, 1 DRS (34 MLB games)

Comparison: In a very small sample size, Haniger plays a much better outfield, saving eight more runs than Smith with the glove.

Shortstop

Ketel Marte: 0.3 WAR, -2 DRS

Jean Segura: 5.7 WAR, 0 DRS

Comparison: Segura was worth over five more wins than Marte in 2016, while breaking even defensively, saving two more runs than Marte at short.

First Base

Adam Lind: -0.3 WAR, -2 DRS

Danny Valencia: 1.4 WAR, 2 DRS (in 43 career games at first base)

Comparison: Lind actually cost the Mariners a third of a win last year. Valencia was worth a win and a half, while saving four more runs at first base in his career than Lind’s 2016 numbers.

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