Mariners Notes: Crawford, Rotation, Castillo

J.P. Crawford has been in the Mariners’ lineup since 2019, posting a .248/.341/.369 line with a 107 wRC+ over more than 3,800 plate appearances while providing serviceable shortstop defense, including 9 Defensive Runs Saved as recently as 2024. Colt Emerson’s extension positions Emerson as Seattle’s future shortstop, and Crawford has volunteered to play third base to accommodate him. Crawford’s willingness to change positions could improve his free-agent prospects and strengthen his case for a Mariners return. His agent met with general manager Justin Hollander after Crawford requested third base, and Hollander said a reunion is possible. Shortstop defense has declined since 2025, with -9 DRS and -19 Outs Above Average, and Statcast shows very limited range and weak lateral value toward third base.

"Crawford's willingness to play the hot corner will add to his value in free agency, and it may also help his chances of returning to the Mariners. The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal reports that Crawford's agent met with general manager Justin Hollander following Crawford's asking to try third base, reiterating the latter's desire to stay in Seattle. Hollander indicated a Crawford reunion is "absolutely" possible. "Obviously we'll talk about it after the season and see how it goes. But he wants to be here and there's definitely a place for him," Hollander said of Crawford."

"Crawford's willingness to move positions and positive clubhouse reputation make the third base experiment worth exploring before he reaches free agency. Crawford's work at short has been poor since the start of 2025, adding up to -9 DRS and -19 Outs Above Average. He has 174 2/3 innings of big league experience at third, all coming with the Phillies from 2017-18. To his credit, Crawford was worth 7 DRS and 3 OAA in that sample."

"Of course, that's a small sample from eight years ago. In contrast, a look at Crawford's Statcast page gives reason for pessimism. His range is in the first percentile, while his arm strength 77.5 MPH arm strength in 2026 falls in just the 17th percentile. In terms of lateral moves, Crawford has been worth -10 OAA since the start of 2025 when moving toward third base."

Read at MLB Trade Rumors