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If you have not been paying attention to all of the moves the Seattle Mariners have made this offseason, you will be more than lost when looking at the team’s opening day lineup for 2016. The core is the same, but all the pieces around have changed. A stress for on-base percentage meant the departure of many players who lean towards the old school, power hitting type (Mark Trumbo, Logan Morrison). A new leadoff hitter, an experienced catcher and stability at the first base position are just some of the changes on the roster for the upcoming MLB season. Here is the potential lineup of the 2016 Mariners.
1. Nori Aoki, LF
Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports1. Nori Aoki, LF
Aoki is Mr. Consistency, producing a batting average between .285 and .288 in each of the last four seasons. His average of 20 stolen bases a year should help as the new leadoff hitter for the Mariners.
2. Kyle Seager, 3B
Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports2. Kyle Seager, 3B
Seager could find himself rotating between the No. 2 and No. 5 spot in the order, but he will continue to be a huge part of the lineup nonetheless. He could find himself in the hunt for a Gold Glove again this year.
3. Robinson Cano, 2B
Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports3. Robinson Cano, 2B
Cano looks to continue on the hot pace he ended 2015 with. The No. 3 spot in the lineup is his for the long haul, and for good reason. Let’s not forget, Cano has hit over .300 in eight of his 11 MLB seasons.
4. Nelson Cruz, DH
Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports4. Nelson Cruz, DH
The No. 4 spot in the lineup is meant for guys like Cruz. His 84 HR total for the last two seasons leads MLB. Although he isn’t slated to play in the outfield as much this season, Cruz will be vital at the plate.
5. Seth Smith, RF
Credit: Christian Petersen/Getty Images5. Seth Smith, RF
Smith is in a platoon role on the Mariners, slated to share right field with Franklin Gutierrez. With Guti’s health issues and with more right-handed pitchers than lefties, Smith will get the bulk of the time.
6. Adam Lind, 1B
Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports6. Adam Lind, 1B
The Mariners finally have a stable first baseman in Lind. His high batting average and OBP against righties is a huge plus for the club. He is likely to platoon with either Jesus Montero or Dae-Ho Lee.
7. Chris Iannetta, C
Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports7. Chris Iannetta, C
Iannetta brings experience to a position the Mariners have lacked in the last few seasons. 2015 was not kind to Iannetta at the plate, hitting .188, so he will be on the list of Jerry Dipoto’s comeback candidates.
8. Ketel Marte, SS
Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports8. Ketel Marte, SS
The rookie shortstop was sensational in the brief time he was with the big club in 2015. He looks to continue that, although he has struggled in spring training so far. If he produces, his speed could put him in the No. 2 spot.
9. Leonys Martin, CF
Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports9. Leonys Martin, CF
Martin is still looking for consistency at the plate, but his speed and skills on defense will make him a fixture on the club all year. He is looking for a bounce-back year, but with his defense, he has time to rebound.
Felix Hernandez, SP
Credit: Christian Petersen/Getty ImagesFelix Hernandez, SP
This should come as no surprise. The King is slated for the opening day start and would be the biggest shock of all time if he didn’t open for the M’s. Note to fans: his first home start looks like the first Sunday home game.
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