We project that the four changes to the Mariners’ starting lineup will combine for 23 more Defensive Runs Saved in 2017 compared to the players they are replacing. The Mariners will see a big improvement in their outfield due mostly to defensive stud Jarrod Dyson, who finished tied for ninth overall in DRS with 19 last season. He saved runs for the Royals in all three outfield positions in 2016—nine runs in center field, five runs in left field, and five in right. His defensive versatility will make it easier for the Mariners to keep Nelson Cruz out of the outfield and play him strictly as a designated hitter. Cruz played 48 games in right field in 2016 and cost the Mariners three runs.
The Mariners also improved their depth by adding Carlos Ruiz from the Dodgers to their bench replacing Chris Iannetta as the backup catcher. In 2016, Ruiz saved the Phillies and Dodgers a total of four runs in 56 games, whereas Iannetta cost the Mariners 10 runs in 93 games.
First base is a different story. Adam Lind and Dae-ho Lee were not very good last year (-5 DRS between them), but the new Dans at first base (Vogelbach and Valencia) project to be even worse. Vogelbach, the left-handed part of the likely platoon, lost 10 runs defensively at Triple-A last year, ranking 35 out of 35 qualifying first basemen in DRS. Valencia hasn’t played much first base, but he also ranked 35 out of 35 among qualifying MLB third basemen with -18 DRS for the A’s last year. We’ll project the combo at -15 DRS for 2017.
Even though the Mariners could see a decline in their first base defense, all in all, their trades have created a very positive defensive outlook for the Mariners in 2017.