Mariners 1st Base 2019 and Beyond

The Seattle Mariners began 2019 with Jay Bruce and Edwin Encarnacion splitting most of the time at first base along with Daniel Vogelbach on occasion. Vogelbach was designated hitter when he was in the lineup most of the time against lefties.

Jay Bruce who the Mariners acquired from the New York Mets for Robinson Cano and Edwin Diaz was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies in May. At that point, Vogelbach ended up at designated hitter most of the time with Encarnacion playing first base.

When Encarnacion was traded to the New York Yankees Vogelbach played some first base well as DH.  The Mariners brought up Austin Nola from Tacoma when Encarnacion was traded. Nola had been a career minor leaguer, however; Jerry Dipoto and Scott Servais decided to give him a chance to play some first base though he had done a lot of catching in Tacoma. This allowed flexibility for the Mariners to.

Austin Nola ended up being a surprise being able to hit well in the major leagues. He ended up playing a lot at first base while Vogelbach spent more time at DH. Vogelbach ended up being the Mariner’s representative in the All-Star game. It was a bit of a surprise when Omar Narvaez and Domingo Santana was having better seasons but Vogelbach was popular with the fans. 

In the second half of 2019, Vogelbach started slumping especially against left-handed pitchers. He did end up with 30 home runs but only a .208 batting average.  Right, it is hard to tell whether Vogelbach will be on the Mariners in 2020.  A lot could depend on whether they can trade Domingo Santana or not.

The Mariners don’t have room in the outfield where Santana struggled defensively most of the season. I could see Santana at DH and first base too if he stayed with the Mariners. He could play the outfield on occasion too.

The future at first base is in the hands of Evan White the Mariners number one draft pick in 2017. When it happens will be when he is ready. Defensively he is already major league ready it is his hitting that is in question.

If Evan White has outstanding spring training in 2020 he likely would be the starting first baseman. This would lead the Mariners having to trade either or both Santana and Vogelbach. Austin Nola could play first base on occasion while spending the rest of the time at second base along with occasion at third base and the outfield.

Major league rosters are expanding to 26 players in 2020 so a spot is open for two utility players or an extra infielder or outfielder. Austin Nola could be the designated hitter against lefties if Evan White is on the roster, and Santana is traded. Nola would still play first base on occasion if White is struggling at the plate or at least against top right-handed pitchers.

The Mariners could play Omar Narvaez at first base on occasion if White starts the season at triple-A. At some point, though White will be in Seattle during the 2020 season since Jerry Dipoto wants to go with youngsters; this will only happen if they think White is ready.

I hope White is ready to face major league pitching because his defense will help the Mariners for sure. He is able to cover more area then either Nola or Vogelbach. Go M’s.