Seattle Mariners Midseason Grades: The Outfielders

May 29, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners designated hitter Seth Smith (right) celebrates with right fielder Nelson Cruz (left) after hitting a two-run home run against the Cleveland Indians during the sixth inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Seth Smith – 263 PA, .268/.338/.447, 130 wRC+, 1.7 WAR

Brandon Maurer is pitching well in San Diego and it doesn’t even matter – Smith has been a total stud for the M’s, the team’s second-best hitter and one of the only guys who’s been exactly what he was brought to town to be. Of course the Mariners have taken issue with his defense – who cares! He was never going to give you anything on defense! Prepare yourself for a John Jaso/Michael Saunders situation this offseason, where the M’s take an awesome player and get rid of him for terrible, awful reasons. Cross your fingers that the Mariners somehow manage to hold onto him for a while. Grade: A

Nelson Cruz – 362 PA, .308/.373/.546, 158 wRC+, 2.4 WAR

This signing looked like a bust from day one. Seriously, who expected this? Cruz started the all-star game. He’s got buttloads of dingers and a batting average over .300. He’s “earned” himself outfield playing time, which makes no sense whatsoever, but who cares – Cruz has been so, so much fun this season. If he never does this again over the next three and a half years, well, at least he did it once. Long live Nelson Cruz, home run machine. May your bat speed never deteriorate. Grade: A