Seattle Mariners: The underappreciated Kyle Seager

When one thinks of the best players in baseball, Kyle Seager does not come to mind. He has been a solid part of the Seattle Mariners over his career, a former All Star and Gold Glove winner. However, he has generally gone about his career quietly, being overshadowed by other third basemen, and even by his brother – Dodgers shortstop Corey Seager.

That may need to change. Seager has actually been a surprisingly solid player since becoming a full time player in 2012, being more productive than some surprising players in that same time frame.

Seattle Mariners’ third baseman Kyle Seager deserves more recognition

Entering Sunday, Seager had produced a solid 114 OPS+ in his 5897 plate appearances since the start of 2012, hitting 237 homers and 288 doubles. He has notched 1328 hits while driving in 784 runs. Considering that he will turn 34 years old this offseason, he has had an impressive first half to his career.

And yet, Seager is constantly overlooked. He has been a consistent power threat, hitting at least 20 homers in every non-pandemic year. Seager has also been an excellent defensive option at the hot corner, saving 59 runs and routinely leading the league in assists and double plays.

Perhaps the lack of attention is due to his playing in Seattle. The Mariners generate far more attention for the actions and constant trades of their general manager than they do for the players on the diamond. As they have not been to the postseason in a generation, the Mariners are somewhat forgotten about.

That extends to their players as well. Aside from generational talents such as Felix Hernandez, players in Seattle are forgotten about. Maybe that will change if they are able to return to the playoffs, or if Seager leaves in free agency and lands on a higher profile team. Unless that happens, Seager will continue to play in relative obscurity despite his solid career.

Kyle Seager has been a better player than most people may realize. The Seattle Mariners’ third baseman deserves far more attention.