Seattle Mariners: Top 50 players of all time
By Nick Lee
32. Nelson Cruz (2015-present)
Easily the most recognizable face on this list to today’s Mariners fans, Cruz has performed as advertised in his first two seasons in Seattle. There are still two years on his contract.
Two more seasons like his first couple, he should skyrocket up this list. Cruz brought his Boomstick to Seattle to the tune of 87 home runs in two seasons.
He is not, however, a one-trick pony, having also hit .294 in 307 games. He has been a reliable presence in the middle of this lineup that is trying to quench a playoff drought.
He has only missed 17 games as a Mariner. If they are to make the playoffs this season, it will be in part because of Cruz’s production at the plate.
31. Bruce Bochte (1978-1982)
Bochte was everywhere in the Mariners’ lineup for the five seasons he was there. He mostly played left field and first base.
He clearly found a groove in Seattle as he immediately set career highs in home runs and doubles in his first season. His best was 1979.
In his only All-Star season, Bochte drove in exactly 100 runs while hitting 16 dingers and batting an impressive .316. All would be career highs in his 12-year career.
He was one of the first great players the M’s had, posting a 10.1 WAR in his time in Seattle. He hit .290 with 58 home runs while in a Mariners uniform.