Seattle Mariners need to make some roster tweaks

Out: Taylor Trammell

Taylor Trammell started fairly hot after the Seattle Mariners called him up from Tacoma on April 30. Unfortunately, he’s been a black hole at the plate recently.

Since May 8, Trammell has a .107 batting average and .433 OBP. Once again, he’s proven to be a Quad-A player, good enough to excel in the minors but not good enough to hit Major League pitching.

In: Aaron Hicks

Last week the Yankees released Aaron Hicks. He deserved it, batting .188 with a .524 OBP. Those numbers are still better than what Trammell or AJ Pollock have done this year.

Hicks is a switch hitter, which manager Scott Servais likes, his defense is just as good, and he’s got a little speed on the bases. Since NYY still has to pay his contract, Hicks has a relatively low cost to acquire and would come to the Emerald City with a chip on his shoulder.

At 33 years old, Hicks should have something left in the tank.

Out: AJ Pollock

It’s time for the Seattle Mariners to end the AJ Pollock experience. After two months, he’s done very little to prove his worth.

Pollock was supposed to be part of a left field platoon with Jarred Kelenic. But he lost the opportunity due to Kelenic’s hot start and his cold one. When Moore returns, there isn’t much room for a corner outfielder.

In: Matt Festa

A revelation last year for Seattle, Matt Festa got off to a horrid start in 2023. He pitched 3.1 innings, giving up 3 hits, 6 walks, a home run, and 4 earned runs.

That got him a demotion to Tacoma on April 9. Since going down, he’s found himself. Festa has cashed in on 10 of 10 save opportunities with a 0.43 ERA, 0.81 WHIP, and a .104 batting average against.

He’s earned another chance.

Out: Juan Then

Making his MLB debut on May 8, Juan Then didn’t allow a run in his first 4 appearances. After that, it’s been another story.

Since May 16, Then made 5 appearances with awful results. Opposing hitters are tearing him up to the tune of an 8.10 ERA, .367 batting average against, and 1.120 OPS against.

It’s time for him to take what he learned in The Show back to Tacoma and become a better pitcher.

Next Man Out: Chris Flexen

Moving Chris Flexen back and forth between the rotation and bullpen isn’t working. Formerly one of Seattle’s more consistent pitchers, the 29-year-old has been more miss than hit this season.

While initially effective in relief, Flex gave up runs in his last two outings. His trade value has dropped drastically. If he can string together a few decent outings, the M’s might be able to trade him.

Next Man In: Isaiah Campbell

Then got his shot this year, so why not Isaiah Campbell? Despite an overall lack of experience, the Seattle Mariners 17th ranked prospect (per MLB pipeline) is pitching well at Double-A Arkansas.

Campbell has thrown 12 innings over 11 appearances with a 3.00 ERA, 14 strikeouts, 1.17 WHIP, and a .231 batting average against. He’d be a stopgap until Andres Munoz is ready to come back.

On the Bubble: Kolten Wong

When the Seattle Mariners traded for Kolten Wong from Milwaukee, they never expected he’d be batting .160 two months into the season. Jose Caballero already supplanted him at second base, and Moore is a natural middle infielder.

Time for a quick turnaround, or Wong might find himself out in the cold.

What changes, if any, would you make to the Mariners roster?