JUST IN: Surprising move, Mariners have fired Brant Brown for lawbreaking

In an unexpected decision, the Mariners have dismissed Brant Brown, the “Offensive Coordinator” and bench coach brought on board this offseason. Although the timing of this move is surprising, the fact that it happened is not. The team’s offense has been among the worst in baseball, and it was inevitable that someone would be held accountable. That person turned out to be Brant Brown.

Brant Brown has been let go by the Mariners

Brown was hired to reduce strikeouts and elevate the offense. Last season, Eugenio Suarez and Teoscar Hernandez led the league in strikeouts. Suarez was traded, and Hernandez left in free agency. Jarred Kelenic, another player with strikeout issues, was traded to the Braves. The front office made significant efforts to adopt a more contact-oriented approach for 2024, and Brown was the key figure in this strategy.

However, the offense significantly regressed. Despite leading the American League West by three games over the Texas Rangers, the Mariners have a -7 run differential, which is notable given the strength of their pitching this year. The Mariners are 28th in batting average (.221), 27th in OBP (.295), 28th in OPS (.656), and 30th in strikeouts (594). The Oakland Athletics, with 567 strikeouts, rank 29th.

The Mariners needed a change, and time will tell if this was the right move. The lineup has talent, including Mitch Garver, Mitch Haniger, Julio Rodriguez, and J.P. Crawford, all proven hitters. Yet, none are performing up to their potential. The front office and Scott Servais apparently believed this was the necessary action to get back on track.