The Seattle Mariners have packed up and left their Spring home in Peoria and are ready for games to finally count. There are significant positives coming out of spring training, as the Mariners look to build upon back-to-back 90-win seasons. Three players have stood out among more than 100 players to appear in Cactus League action Perhaps the player gaining the most attention is 23 year old Jarred Kelenic. A former elite prospect, Kelenic hit 21 home runs over his first MLB games in 2021 and 2022 but hit only .168. He’s come into his own this spring, hitting .410 with four home runs in 39 at-bats. Of course, it’s different hitting in March than against the upper-echelon MLB season throughout a long season, but the torrid spring training should give him confidence to carry over when the games mean something.
While Kelenic has been the hottest hitter for the Mariners this spring, Cooper Hummel isn’t far behind. He’s hitting .333 with four home runs in 33 at bats. He’s tied with Kelenic for the team high in Cactus League home runs. Hummel, who can play the outfield, numerous infield positions or catch, is the type of versatile player every team needs. An injury to Dylan Moore has made Hummel a near lock to make the opening day roster.
On the mound, the pitcher making the most noise is Robbie Ray. The 2021 AL Cy Young Award winner had a solid season last year, but paled in comparison, allowing nearly a run more per game while losing 12. The addition of a split-finger fastball to a fastball and excellent slider has produced 21 strikeouts in 12 innings this spring.
Ray has gone back to using his four-seam fastball which was his signature pitch in 2021, as opposed to a sinking two-seam fastball last year. In addition, his fastball is now reaching new highs in terms of velocity.
Of course it is always dangerous to read too much into Cactus League stats, but the signs are all positive with these three components to the Mariners 2023 success. Be there to see the Mariners open their campaign as they host a 2022 playoff team in Cleveland on March 30th at 7:10 pm in T-Mobile Park.
