Seattle Mariners 2016 Fantasy Preview

Mar 27, 2016; Mesa, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners second baseman Robinson Cano (22) hits a three run home run during the second inning against the Chicago Cubs at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

Seattle Mariners 2016 Fantasy Preview

The Mariners brought in some free agents to see if . Once again, this team is littered with players that get on base. That can be a good thing for your fantasy teams.

Seattle Mariners 2016 Projected Starting Lineup:

C: Chris Iannetta (.188, 10HR, 34RBI in 272 AB with LAA)
1B: Adam Lind (.277, 20HR, 87RBI with MIL)
2B: Robinson Cano (.287, 21HR, 79RBI)
SS: Ketel Marte (.283, 2HR, 17RBI, 8SB in 219 AB)
3B: Kyle Seager (.266, 26HR, 74RBI, 6SB)
LF: Nori Aoki (.287, 5HR, 26RBI, 14SB in 355 AB with SF)
CF: Leonys Martin (.219, 5HR, 25RBI, 14SB, in 288 AB with TEX)
RF: Seth Smith (.248, 12HR, 42RBI in 395 AB)
DH: Nelson Cruz (.302, 44HR, 93RBI)

Iannetta is likely going to be in a platoon with Rob Brantly (.225, 5HR, 32RBI), at least until one of them proves they deserve a full time job. I wouldn’t use either of them even in deep leagues.

Lind could be a nice addition for the Mariners. He had a solid year last year, and while he might not hit 20 home runs in Seattle, he is a valuable commodity in deep leagues if he can hit .270 with 15 homers or so.

Cano still isn’t at the level that he was in New York. That wont happen again. That said, Cano is still a top option at second base even though he doesn’t steal a lot of bases anymore. He is worth a fourth or fifth round pick.

Marte’s potential is through the roof. He has been going pretty high in drafts. I like the upside, but in redraft leagues, I wouldn’t go crazy trying get him. If he falls to me in the middle rounds, so be it, but it hasn’t happened yet.

Seager has been falling in drafts and I’m not sure why. If you hit 26 home runs in Seattle, you are doing something right. Also, there should be more RBI opportunities in this lineup than there were last year. I am comfortable taking Seager in the sixth round. I have even seen him fall farther than that.

Aoki still has good speed and will hit for a good average. He is a fringe option in standard leagues, but a good option to round out your outfield in leagues of 12 or more teams.

The Mariners are hopeful that Martin will do better with more consistent at bats. He has really good speed and has shown some power, but if he hits in the low .200’s, he could hurt more than help. Right now he is worth taking a chance on in leagues of 12 or more teams.

Seth Smith is keep the seat warm. He is a decent option in deep leagues, but is better left alone elsewhere.

Cruz’s power did just fine in Seattle, thank you very much! The only issue with Cruz is he clogs up the utility slot, and is getting older. He is still a strong bet for 40 homers though, and is worth a second round pick.

Next: How Will The Rotation Shape Up?

Mar 16, 2016; Peoria, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Hisashi Iwakuma (18) throws during the first inning against the San Francisco Giants at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /

Seattle Mariners 2016 Projected Pitching Rotation:

Felix Hernandez (18-9, 3.53 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, 191K)
Hisashi Iwakuma (9-5, 3.54 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, 111K in 129.2 IP)
Wade Miley (11-11, 4.46 ERA, 1.37 WHIP, 147K with BOS)
Taijuan Walker (11-8, 4.56 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 157K in 169.2 IP)
Nate Karns (7-5, 3.67 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, 145K in 147 IP)
Steve Cishek (2-6, 3.58 ERA, 1.48 WHIP, 48K in 55.1 IP, 4/9 saves with MIA/STL)

King Felix was more prince-like last year, posting his worst ERA, WHIP, and lowest strikeout total of his career. He is only 29 though, so there is reason to believe that he can still post a sub-3 ERA and 200 strikeouts. He could be a huge bargain in the fifth or sixth round.

Iwakuma is technically plan B. He was nearly traded to the Giants, but they didn’t like something on his physical. This may give us reason to be cautious, but he is still good enough to round out your standard league rotation.

Miley’s move west should help his numbers, but probably not enough to make him an option outside of deep leagues. Keep an eye on his progress though. If he has great home splits, he is worth using as a spot starter.

Walker’s ceiling is really high, but he will still have bouts of inconsistency. That makes him too big of a risk for me in standard leagues. I would take a chance on him in leagues of 12 or more teams though.

Karns pitched well in Tampa, and going out of the heavy hitting AL East and into a pitcher’s park in the lighter hitting AL West should help him out even more. Karns is a good flier at the end of standard drafts.

Cishek lost his job after a dreadful April in Miami. He pitched much better after being traded to the Cardinals, and now he is penciled in as the closer in Seattle. He is worth taking in the lower tier of closers. The move to Seattle should be good for him. He could be a nice bargain in the later rounds of standard drafts.

Next: What Prospects Are Worth Watching?

Nov 7, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners infielder D.J. Peterson during the Arizona Fall League Fall Stars game at Salt River Fields. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

We will take a look at a few prospects that could crack the majors for the Mariners this year, and in what type of leagues you should be looking for them in. The Mariners have quite a few prospects. Will any make an impact? Let’s get started!

D.J. Peterson, CI: Peterson has good power, but has had some problems hitting for average. The acquisition of Adam Lind means Seattle doesn’t think Peterson is ready, but if he hits, he will force Seattle’s hand.

Boog Powell, OF: If anyone is a threat to Seth Smith‘s job, it’s Powell. He is a high energy player, and if he wrecks minor league pitching again, the Mariners will call him up soon.

Tony Zych, RHP: The Mariners bought Zych from the Cubs for a dollar. That’s right….a dollar. The price of a fountain drink. Zych domianted in the Seattle system and posted a 2.45 ERA in 13 appearances for the big league club last year. If Cishek falters as the closer, Zych could take over.

Next: MLB FanDuel Picks For Opening Day

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