Seattle Mariners: November mailbag – Face of the franchise and more
By Ed Stein
Do the Mariners have a “face of the franchise” any more?
Jordan Cordano – I wouldn’t say the Mariners had a face of the franchise in 2018. With Cano being gone for half the season with injury and suspension it was arguably Nelson Cruz’s team. I don’t think Cruz will be back in Seattle next season. Luckily, the Mariners currently have two all-star players in their 20’s, Jean Segura and Mitch Haniger. Both are awesome players to build around. Throw in young Edwin Diaz as the best closer in the game and you could make your pick amongst them.
Jaymon Bernhardt – he Mariners don’t have a face of the franchise right now. However, Mitch Haniger might be that man. He was excellent all season and made his very first All-Star game. Look for Haniger to be the man that is featured on your pocket schedule for the 2019 season.
Matt Barry – In my mind, the Mariners do not have a face of the franchise. James Paxton is good but his name doesn’t carry this type of weight. The closest thing to a face is Edwin Diaz. He is a dominant closer who is continuing to improve. However, it is hard for a closer to be a franchise leader. This team needs a highly marketable player. And that player should be an everyday type of player.
Ed Stein – It was King Felix. It should have been Kyle Seager. Dee Gordon and his mega-watt smile would be a good candidate, but slap hitters aren’t “sexy” to build marketing campaigns with. Unless the M’s make a huge free agent signing, it will be Mitch Haniger.
Herb Nightingale – I have to say James Paxton is the closest one to be the “face of the franchise” and Mitch Haniger is coming up as is Edwin Diaz. Outside of Seattle it likely is Robinson Cano.