Brad Miller 24 •
shortstop
The M’s second-year shortstop is attracting national attention, popping up on plenty of “rookies to watch” or “fantasy sleeper” lists after hitting four homers this spring.
Abraham Almonte 24 •
outfielder
He beat alcohol addiction and now looks to have won the starting centerfield job. Almonte is stocky, speedy, and aggressive—think Kirby Puckett—so McClendon’s putting him in the leadoff spot.
Mike Zunino 23 •
catcher
The M’s starting catcher quietly had an outstanding spring at the plate. Maybe his dismal September last season was due to fatigue?
John Buck
33 •
catcher
The M’s backup catcher lived in an RV park during spring training—his Instagram of the going-away party his elderly neighbors threw him (#livingthedream, #trailorlife) got 1,767 likes, including mine.
Stefen Romero 25 •
outfielder
Converted to outfield last year, this star of Oregon State’s national championship teams won a major league job thanks to four spring homers.
Danny Farquhar 27 •
relief pitcher
Started 2013 with AAA Tacoma; ended it as the Mariners’ closer after developing a tricky cut fastball. Expected to be the 8th-inning bridge to new closer Fernando Rodney.
Yoervis Medina 25 •
relief pitcher
One of the M’s big bullpen arms, Medina’s low walk total this spring gives us hope he’s finally learned to control his nasty stuff.
Erasmo Ramirez 23 •
starting pitcher
Stands just 5´11˝ and relies on savvy beyond his years to trick hitters. One of just two active big-leaguers from Nicaragua.
James Paxton 25 •
starting pitcher
The lefty with a mid-90s fastball went 3-0 in four starts last September. He’d be the first pitcher drafted by Jack Zduriencik to stick in the M’s rotation.
Roenis Elias 25 •
starting pitcher
Four years ago, he was a Cuban defector pitching in beer leagues in Monterrey. Now, his mid-90s fastball and devastating curve helped him beat eight-year veteran Scott Baker for a spot in the M’s starting rotation.
Taijuan Walker 21 •
starting pitcher
The Mariners’ best prospect flashed brilliance in a September call-up, effortlessly firing a mid-90s fastball past hitters. Scary shoulder pain put Walker behind this spring, but he’s pitching again and could be contributing in Seattle by April.
