Seattle Mariners: 2018 Player Review Ben Gamel
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It is hard to know how well Gamel would do playing more often, rather than a platoon situation or sharing the position with Span who hits left-handed as well. I do think Gamel should be given a chance to play regularly.
Defensively he doesn’t have the skills that Heredia does. In his favor, Gamel does hustle in the field and on the bases. He and Heredia are a good platoon combination though Gamel should be given a chance to start against lefties on occasion.
How much he plays in 2019 will depend on whether or not Span will be on the roster next season. The Mariners have an option on Span, where he would be paid $12 million if he is on the team and $4 million if they release him.
In my opinion, they do keep Span than the Mariners have to trade Gamel. Seattle needs to pick up another outfielder, who can play in center field unless they decide to move Gordon back. Gamel won’t have a spot unless the M’s do not re-sign Nelson Cruz, who will be a free agent.
Next. M's 2018 player review - Mike Zunino. dark
Without Cruz, the Mariners can share the designated spot between several players including Span and Gamel. It would depend on how much Robinson Cano plays in the field at either first or second base, he may be a designated hitter more often as well. They could also decide to trade Span. The question of who should go will depend on what the Mariners could get back in return.