While the Seattle Mariners upgraded their offense by adding cleanup hitter Nelson Cruz and a pair of veteran outfielders, the key to success this season may come down to a rookie who has yet to take a swing at the major league level.
Top prospect D.J. Peterson didn’t disappoint during his first at-bat of spring training. The 2013 first-round pick homered off San Diego Padres left-hander Jason Lane during his first camp with the big-league club.
“This kid has some talent,” manager Lloyd McClendon told reporters after the Cactus League opener. “He knows what he’s doing in the box, and he didn’t disappoint.”
Peterson isn’t considered a serious contender for an Opening Day roster spot, but he could end up being a key factor if oft-injured first baseman Logan Morrison can’t stay healthy. Originally a third baseman, Peterson saw time at first base last season and looks like the best option if Morrison doesn’t work out.
Peterson has already shown more power than recent Mariners prospects like Dustin Ackley and Nick Franklin, and the addition of Cruz means he won’t be forced into the middle of the order anytime soon. The 23-year-old right-hander hit .297 with 31 home runs and 111 RBIs over 23 games at High-A and Double-A ball last season and should start out this season at Triple-A Tacoma.
The Mariners have spent a lot of money beefing up their offense over the past two offseasons, but Peterson could end up being as important as any of the veterans over the long term. Seattle doesn’t want to force him into action too soon; Morrison’s health could end up dictating when he makes his debut.
After Morrison, the Mariners have very few options. Former prospect Jesus Montero is trying to re-invent himself but still looks like a Triple-A mainstay, while the best options as a backup first baseman on the projected roster are utility players like Willie Bloomquist or, in a pinch, maybe a veteran like Cruz or Rickie Weeks.
Peterson has been seeing plenty of time at first base this spring. Through Sunday, his bat had cooled off and he had a .250 batting average and one RBI.
The best-case scenario would be for Morrison to show the health and consistency that has eluded him for most of the 27-year old’s career. But if that doesn’t happen, the Mariners like to know that they might have a young secondary option in Peterson.