The Seattle Mariners are going to be one of the more fascinating teams in free agency this offseason. According to general manager Jerry Dipoto, they have money to spend and are looking to upgrade their roster in any way possible. Considering his penchant for making moves, the Mariners are going to be a team to watch.
There is one area where nothing is likely to change. While the Mariners plan on targeting middle infielders, any shortstops would be sliding to second base in deference to J.P. Crawford.
Jerry Dipoto said J.P. Crawford will be the Mariners’ starting shortstop in 2022. The team will pursue free-agent shortstops, but with the expectation that they play another position. While Dipoto did not mention him by name, Marcus Semien fits into this category. @710ESPNSeattle
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) November 10, 2021
J.P. Crawford will remain Seattle Mariners shortstop
It is understandable as to why the Mariners would want to keep Crawford at short. He has worked to become a solid defensive shortstop, saving 14 runs over the past two seasons and winning the 2020 AL Gold Glove at the position. There is no reason to move someone that has established themselves as a more than capable defensive option at the position.
Crawford has also begun to establish himself as a cornerstone for the Mariners. The one time top prospect has started to find his way with the bat, producing a career best 102 OPS+ with nine homers and 37 doubles in his 687 plate appearances. He may never be a superstar, but Crawford is becoming a solid major league option.
Given his development in all aspects of his game, it is not a surprise that the Mariners would be looking at moving any potential free agent shortstops to another position. This furthers the belief that the Mariners will be targeting Marcus Semien in free agency as he fits that description perfectly.
This is also quite the vote of confidence in Crawford. It would be easy to just move him over to another position and pursue a top shortstop with the intention of keeping them at short. Instead, that remains Crawford’s spot regardless of who the Mariners end up signing.
The Seattle Mariners have unequivocally stated that J.P. Crawford will be their shortstop going forward. He has certainly earned that spot.