JUST IN: Why Mariners should keep 29-Years Old in leadoff spot
Despite the Seattle Mariners’ offensive struggles this season, there has been a consistent standout in their lineup. It’s not Julio Rodríguez, Jorge Polanco, or Mitch Garver who have been receiving the attention they deserve. While Cal Raleigh has had some notable moments, even he has faced challenges at the plate. The offensive standout for the Mariners thus far has been third baseman Josh Rojas, leading the team in batting average, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage.
Rojas’ impact has been particularly significant recently as he has taken over the leadoff role against right-handed starters in place of the injured J.P. Crawford. Rojas has excelled in this position with an impressive .395/.465/.684 slash line. Crawford, who had a strong season at the plate last year as the leadoff hitter, is nearing a return from injury.
The Mariners will face a tough decision upon Crawford’s return. Should they reinstate him as the leadoff hitter, or stick with Rojas who is currently in top form? Co-hosts Dave Wyman and Bob Stelton discussed this dilemma on Seattle Sports’ Wyman and Bob show.
Stelton expressed admiration for Crawford but advocated for keeping Rojas in the leadoff spot due to his current hot streak. He suggested placing Crawford ninth in the batting order until Rojas’ performance cools off significantly, as Rojas is currently far from being a hindrance to the team’s success.
.@JoshRojass is hot 🔥 pic.twitter.com/jFGbOZPOQ9
— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) May 5, 2024
The Mariners made a trade last season, acquiring Rojas, outfielder Dominic Canzone, and second base prospect Ryan Bliss, while sending beloved closer Paul Sewald to the Arizona Diamondbacks. Initially, this trade was seen as a lack of commitment from Seattle to pursue a World Series title. However, Rojas, who was emphasized as a crucial part of the trade by Seattle, has since altered perceptions in favor of the Mariners.
Following a difficult period at the plate in 2023 with Arizona, where he struggled with a batting average of just .228, a .589 OPS, and no home runs in 59 games, Rojas showed improvement after joining Seattle. During his time with the Mariners, he posted better numbers, batting .276 with a .721 OPS and hitting four home runs in 46 games. In the current season, through 28 games, Rojas has continued to excel, boasting a slash line of .348/.420/.539, with four doubles, two triples, three home runs, and eight RBIs.
When discussing clutch situations in the lineup, Stelton asked Wyman who he trusted the most, to which Wyman responded, “Josh Rojas,” citing his close observation of Mariners baseball and Rojas’s impressive statistics.
Joshing around (the bases). #TridentsUp 🔱 pic.twitter.com/soBmdPzqfJ
— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) March 1, 2024
Rojas has been a versatile asset for Seattle this season, contributing in various ways including clutch hits, defensive plays, and even pitching appearances. Despite his performance, the team has stuck to a strategy of platooning Rojas with Luis Urías, who, although struggling with a .170 batting average, has shown power with six of his eight hits resulting in extra bases. Rojas has only managed a 1 for 8 record against left-handed pitchers this season in limited chances, yet historically he has maintained a respectable .254/.333/.348 batting line against lefties throughout his career, compared to .260/.335/.388 against right-handers.
Stelton advocates for giving Rojas more playing time based on his current hot streak, regardless of the pitcher’s handedness. He emphasizes that Rojas’ career numbers against lefties aren’t poor. Although Rojas has had significantly fewer at-bats against lefties compared to righties (1,169 to 355), his overall performance metrics remain quite similar, except for power.
Wyman points to the success of switch-hitting catcher Cal Raleigh as a reason why the Mariners should consider starting Rojas more frequently against left-handed starters. Raleigh, previously known for his prowess hitting left-handed against right-handed pitchers, has surprised this season by excelling when batting right-handed, already hitting a career-high five home runs against left-handed pitching.
How has Mariners’ Raleigh become a threat from the right side?
“According to Wyman, Rojas should stay where he currently is without a doubt. Additionally, Wyman suggests that Rojas should have more exposure and chances against left-handed pitchers, similar to Cal’s opportunities.”