Seattle Mariners: September mailbag – Seager, stolen bases, and mayochup
By Ed Stein
3) Has Kyle Seager worn out his welcome here (Seattle)?
Jordan Cordano – Ahh Kyle Seager. Look I think he is a solid player and can help this team but when he wasn’t hitting this year we always pointed to his “gold glove.” He had a career low in defensive WAR, while batting near the Mendoza line, as well as career lows in OPS and slugging. All while making $19 million a year.
Unfortunately, no team will take him in a trade coming off one of the worst seasons of his career. If the Mariners do feel they want to trade him they most likely will have to wait until next year’s deadline/offseason hoping that he will bounce back and make it so contending team would want to grab him for their own World Series push. Other than that, Seattle is stuck with him.
Herb Nightingale – I am sure that there are fans that still enjoy watching Kyle playing since he and Felix are the longest running players on the team. Seager’s first full season was in 2012 when he took over the full-time position of third base. He became popular right away because he was replacing the unpopular Chone Figgins who not only was batting below 200 he was not a good teammate either.
Between 2013 and 2016 his stats continued to go up especially home runs when he reached 30 home runs. In 2014, he won the Gold Glove for his defense at third base. After winning the Gold Glove he signed a seven-year contract extension for $100 million.
Both his offense and defense in 2015 and 2016 warranted the contract extension however in 2017 his batting average went down .243 but his on-base percentage was .323 which is good for a low batting average. His fielding has been solid though he has made more errors since 2014. In fact this year his fielding has been good though at times he has made several errors at critical times especially just before and after he came back from paternity leave.
Also, he is having his highest strikeout total for his career so far. I have seen him sulk many a time right after striking out. I am sure fans are not happy because his contract now is up to $19M a year. Seager is the third highest paid on the team that brings scrutiny. I am not sure whether any team would be willing to pick up Seager’ contract.
Matt Barry – Kyle Seager’s $100 million contract runs through 2021. His numbers have steadily declined over the last five years. This year, his on-base percentage is .275. Seager is a decent fielder with a Gold Glove in 2014. His power production is still ok with 22 homers, but his 130 strikeouts to 37 walks ratio leave much to be desired.
At 30 years old and with three years left, this is a tough contract to move. The position certainly needs an upgrade. If Nelson Cruz leaves for free agency, Seager’s power may still have some value. He may have worn out his welcome some, but I am not sure you can’t move him this offseason unless you take back some money. Also, what do you get for him? Maybe a mid to low-level prospect or two.
If I am Jerry DiPoto, I try to move him this offseason. But it may be more realistic at next year’s deadline or next offseason.
Jaymin Bernhardt – If you would’ve asked me before this year, I would say that Kyle has most definitely worn out his welcome. I was more than frustrated with his production over the last few years. However, this year, I would have to say that I thought that he did a much better staying on the ball and not pulling it as much. Seager had many more hits up the middle. I think he earned himself another year.
Ed Stein – Worn out his welcome is a bit personal. Greatly played below his ability to the point where Seager was a detriment to the team is something else. Many times he was just that. At $19M per season for another three years, Seager is going nowhere.
He’s going to have to work very hard this offseason and in spring training to ditch some of his bad habits at the plate. Maybe he can win back some of Mariners Nation with a good 2019.