The Seattle Mariners' defense is a double-edged sword, leaving fans on the edge of their seats! Last year's thrilling ALCS run was a treat, but the team's defense was a ticking time bomb. With a low error count and high fielding percentage, they seemed solid, but modern metrics reveal a different story.
Here's the twist: Seattle's defense was one of the worst in baseball in 2025, according to advanced metrics like Outs Above Average (-27) and Defensive Runs Saved (+9). These stats paint a picture of a team that struggled to make routine plays, despite their seemingly impressive traditional stats.
But wait, there's hope! MLB.com's Mike Petriello predicts a significant defensive improvement for the Mariners in 2026, ranking them among the top five most-improved teams. This projection is based on the departure of Jorge Polanco and the addition of Josh Naylor and Brendan Donovan to the infield.
Controversially, the Mariners plan to shift Donovan to third base, his best position by DRS, but one he hasn't played regularly in recent years. This move raises eyebrows, especially with Cole Young, who struggled at second base last season, still in the mix.
Top prospect Colt Emerson could be the answer, but he'd be learning on the job at third or second base. The outfield has its own questions, with J.P. Crawford and Randy Arozarena's subpar performances in 2025 and uncertainty around Victor Robles' playing time.
The big question: Can the Mariners truly transform their defense from a liability to a strength? It's a tall order, and while they might be better than last year, becoming a 'good' defensive team seems like a stretch.
What do you think, fans? Is this a case of overpromising and underdelivering, or is there a defensive revolution brewing in Seattle?
