Mariners shortstop J.P. Crawford has been working at third base, getting some practice before games. This idea started when Crawford approached manager Dan Wilson about the shift. It seems everyone is open to seeing how it goes, including general manager Justin Hollander.
Crawford’s move comes as Seattle welcomes top prospect Colt Emerson. They just signed him to a record eight-year, $95 million contract, even before he played a single game. Emerson debuted recently and hit a home run on his first swing! As the third-ranked prospect in baseball, he’s expected to shine.
Although Emerson can play both shortstop and third base, he’s mostly a shortstop, having spent 2,074 innings there compared to just 175 at third. With Crawford heading for free agency, the Mariners clearly see Emerson as the future shortstop.
For Crawford, this switch highlights a team-first attitude. It allows Emerson to settle into his role while helping Crawford expand his defensive skills. His performance at shortstop has slipped recently, so excelling at third could enhance his value in the upcoming free agent market.
Crawford isn’t new to third base; he played there in 2017 and 2018 with the Phillies. He has some experience and 78 minor league innings at that position. However, with Brendan Donovan on the injured list due to a groin strain, there’s an opportunity to experiment, but it’s still uncertain if this change will stick.
Once Donovan returns, he could easily take back his spot at third base, but he’s also capable of playing second or in the outfield. Meanwhile, Cole Young has been performing adequately at second, and other players like Dominic Canzone and Luke Raley have had strong starts but are now cooling off.
Crawford is in the last year of a five-year, $51 million contract. He faced a shoulder injury early in the season and is now dealing with a triceps issue, but he’s avoided the injured list. He started the season as the lead-off hitter but recently had to be scratched from a game. His batting average stands at a low .210, yet he boasts a 16.5% walk rate, leading to a much better .358 on-base percentage.
Despite his low average, statistics show that his struggles may not last. His .220 average on balls in play is considerably below average, yet his strikeout rate is the lowest it’s ever been at 15.9%. Statcast suggests he’s expected to have a .256 average and a .418 slugging percentage, hinting that improvements could be on the horizon.
In a landscape where MLB is increasingly valuing versatility, Crawford’s willingness to adapt could be crucial for both his future and the Mariners.
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