Seattle Mariners’ J.P. Crawford watches his grand slam against the Texas Rangers during the fourth inning of a game Sept. 29, 2023, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Seattle Mariners’ J.P. Crawford watches his grand slam against the Texas Rangers during the fourth inning of a game Sept. 29, 2023, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Mariners set at shortstop with Crawford

J.P. Crawford is coming off a career season and has developed into Seattle’s unofficial team captain.

In the days after the 2018 season ended with the Mariners failing to make the postseason again, Mariners ownership greenlighted the plan of then-general manager Jerry Dipoto to start a rebuilding process, eventually labeled a “step back.”

As part of the process, Dipoto and 15 members of the front office/baseball-operations staff participated in an exercise to help shape their actions. They each created a roster for the 2019 season, using the parameters of a $155 to $165 million payroll budget that was expected (those were the days).

Only trades that were actually possible were allowed and any free-agent signings had to be based on market projections.

Each roster was vetted and critiqued by the group, like a writers’ workshop. The goal was to compare the rosters to see where people felt the organization was at and where it should be headed.

Of the 16 rosters, there was one player that more than half of the participants wanted to acquire — a former Phillies top prospect named J.P. Crawford.

Less than two months later, the Mariners acquired Crawford along with first baseman Carlos Santana from the Phillies in exchange for Jean Segura, James Pazos and Juan Nicasio.

The Mariners plan was to give Crawford every chance to become the everyday shortstop and a foundation player in their future success.

Now five years later, Crawford has not only entrenched himself as the starting shortstop, he has become the unofficial team captain. It wasn’t the straightest path and there were times when Crawford and the Mariners wondered if he’d ever grow into all that was expected. But with each season, he’s taken more ownership into the team’s success.

Who’s back

Crawford, who turned 29 on Jan. 11, returns for his sixth season as the Mariners shortstop. He’s coming off his best season in the big leagues. After spending the offseason working out at Driveline Baseball Inc. to retool his swing, incorporating his legs more to generate power, Crawford produced a .266/.380/.438 slash line with 35 doubles, 19 homers, 65 RBI, 94 runs scored, 94 walks and 125 strikeouts. He accumulated a 4.9 FanGraphs WAR, which was fourth highest in MLB behind Corey Seager (6.1), Francisco Lindor (6.0) and Bobby Witt Jr. (5.7). He led the American League in walks and had career highs in homers, RBI, runs scored, on-base percentage and slugging percentage.

He was the Mariners’ most consistent offensive producer and helped offset the slow start for Julio Rodriguez.

The Mariners knew he was capable of more offense than he’d shown in the past, but even they were a bit surprised by the increases to his power production.

Who’s gone?

Crawford played in 145 games last season and protested the days he had to sit out. When he did sit, Jose Caballero started 13 games at shortstop and appeared in eight others. The Mariners sent Caballero to the Rays in exchange for outfielder Luke Raley in a trade that filled needs for both teams.

Caballero was a competent replacement for Crawford when needed in spot starts.

New faces

Jorge Polanco came up as a shortstop with the Twins and has started 473 games at the position in his career. While the Mariners want him to be their primary second baseman, they could slide Polanco over to shortstop if Crawford needed a day off. They will also have utility man Dylan Moore to fill in when needed.

Trending down

Based on advanced metrics, Crawford’s defense isn’t quite up to his Gold Glove caliber in the 2020 and 2021 seasons. Some regression is expected with age and nagging injuries, but Crawford also is a relentless worker. If there is an issue in his overall game that is lacking, he will address it.

Prospect to watch

The Mariners have selected shortstops in the first round in each of the past two MLB drafts in Cole Young (2022) and Colt Emerson (2023).

But one of the more intriguing shortstops in the system is 17-year-old Felnin Celesten. The Mariners’ top international signee in their 2023 class received a $4.7 million signing bonus. A switch-hitter with power potential from both sides and a plus throwing arm on a lanky frame, Celesten oozes with athleticism and potential on the field. His 2023 season was cut short after he suffered a severe hamstring injury a few days before the Dominican Summer League was set to open. A setback during his recovery ended any hopes of him playing in the DSL. Now fully healthy, he’s preparing for his first professional season.

By the numbers

6 — Crawford tied Julio Rodriguez’s franchise record with six leadoff homers last season.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Arlington’s Leyton Martin puts three fingers in the air after making a three point shot during the game against Glacier Peak on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025 in Arlington, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep basketball roundup for Saturday, Feb. 15

Leyton Martin’s triple-double leads Arlington to district win

Monroe's Halle Keller drives past Meadowdale's Payton Fleishman during a Feb. 14, 2025 3A District 1 playoff game at Meadowdale High School. (Qasim Ali / The Herald)
Last-second layup powers Monroe past Mavs

The Bearcats staged a 50-49 road upset in a district playoff clash.

Shorecrest’s Cassie Chesnut leaps in the air to block a shot by Shorewood’s Bridget Cox during the 3A district playoff game on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025 in Shoreline, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Shorecrest girls win rubber match against Shorewood

Cassie Chesnut’s 28 points, 18 rebounds pushes the Scots to District 1 3A semifinals with 53-38 win.

Freshman leads Jackson to 4A district swim title

Syunta Lee sets two meet records as Timberwolves edge Lake Stevens.

Shorecrest wins 3A district swim title

Snohomish’s Torsten Hokanson sets two meet records and leads two winning relays.

Marysville Pilchuck claims 2A district wrestling title

Tomahawks win three individual championship bouts.

Snohomish’s Kendall Hammer yells in celebration with teammate Snohomish’s Sienna Capelli after she makes a shot and is fouled during the game on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Snohomish, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep basketball roundup for Friday, Feb. 14

Snohomish, Stanwood girls cruise into district semis.

Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for Feb. 2-8

The Athlete of the Week nominees for Feb. 2-8. Voting closes at… Continue reading

Mountlake Terrace’s Svayjeet Singh leaps in the air after the basketball during the 3A district loser-out playoff game against Snohomish on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025 in Mountlake Terrace, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Snohomish upsets Mountlake Terrace for first playoff win in 11 years

Bryson Wheat scored 25 in Panthers’ 49-43 win to advance to the District 1 Boys 3A quarterfinals

Julio Rodríguez (left) and manager Dan Wilson (right) of the Seattle Mariners react after the game against the Oakland Athletics at T-Mobile Park on Sept. 27, 2024, in Seattle, Washington. (Steph Chambers / Getty Images / Tribune News Services)
Dan Wilson begins first spring training as M’s manager

An anxious eagerness to get through the first of… Continue reading

Marysville Getchell junior Bubba Palocol reverses directions while dribbling against Arlington during a playoff matchup at Arlington High School on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024, in Arlington, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Prep basketball roundup for Thursday, Feb. 13

Marysville Getchell, Lakewood boys each earn district wins

Kenneth Walker III runs with against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on Dec. 1, 2024. (Photo courtesy of the Seattle Seahawks)
Seahawks hire run game coach

Justin Outten added to staff as Mike Macdonald continues attempts to bolster rushing attack.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.