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Seattle Mariners: Is Dan Straily Worth a Gamble?

By Paul Taylor

Sep 3, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Dan Straily throws against the St. Louis Cardinals during the first inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Dan Straily throws against the St. Louis Cardinals during the first inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports /
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With the Seattle Mariners talking to the Cincinnati Reds about potential starters for their rotation, does Dan Straily’s career year make him a viable option?

Ever since the Seattle Mariners traded away Taijuan Walker, they’ve been on the lookout for help to boost the starting rotation. As per Jon Morosi of the MLB Network, this includes reaching out to the Cincinnati Reds.

From the Reds perspective, the two pitchers they are apparently most likely to consider offers for, are Anthony DeSclafani and Dan Straily. Of the two, Straily is a particularly intriguing possibility.

Consider the Redlands, California native’s production during 2016. More specifically, this is where he would have ranked compared to the Mariners’ starting rotation this past season:

  • Starts: 31 (2nd)
  • W-L: 14-8 (2nd)
  • ERA: 3.76 (1st)
  • Innings: 191.1 (2nd)
  • WHIP: 1.186 (1st)

From purely looking at this production, it seems to be a no-brainer that the Mariners should make a move for Straily. However, as is usually the case when it comes to baseball, it’s not entirely straightforward.

The main reason for this is that 2016 was a career-year for the 28-year old, with all the above statistics representing personal bests. Further, he has only twice been a regular starter during his five seasons in the Majors.

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As such, there is the question of whether the last campaign will be the pinnacle of Straily’s career, or the start of more consistent production? More to the point, is it still worth the M’s making a play for him?

Let’s consider the 2009 24th round draft pick’s scouting report to get some idea of his potential. He is a four-pitch power pitcher with good control.

Straily’s best pitch is his four-seam fastball, which averages around 90-92 mph, but can reach 95. He also has a “swing-and-miss” slider, an “early-in-count” curveball, and an above average changeup.

Looking at 2016 in particular, the former Chicago Cub relied on his four-seam fastball and slider. On the flip side, he very rarely threw a curve or sinker.

One last factor to consider with Straily is his contract situation. He is arbitration-eligible between 2017-19 and will become a free agent in 2020.

Overall, there is no denying the righty would be a gamble for the Mariners. However, this is what professional sports are all about and taking everything into account, he is worth taking a risk on.

Next: Best to give Mark Trumbo a miss

What’s your take on Straily? Would you be interested in the Mariners signing him or would you prefer they look elsewhere, and why? Share your thoughts in the comments section.

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