Seattle Mariners fans excited by AJ Pollock's acquisition

By announcing a one-year contract with free agent outfielder AJ Pollock on Thursday, the Mariners strengthened their lineup. The contract is for $7 million, according to sources.

In 527 at-bats with the White Sox in 2022, the 35-year-old Pollock batted just .245/.292/.389 while hitting 14 home runs and collecting 56 RBIs. His 2021 season with the Dodgers saw him bat .297/.355/.536 with 21 home runs and 69 RBIs in 422 plate appearances.

Prior to joining the White Sox, Pollock played three seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers and was an All-Star for Arizona in 2015. Pollock hit .297 with 21 home runs in his first two seasons with the Dodgers.

The Mariners fans had their say on the move, and it was a mixed bag of emotions, to say the least. Some were overtly excited, while others hoped that Seattle would make some other moves to further bolster their squad.

AJ Pollock has an opportunity to shine with the Mariners

AJ Pollock will serve as the designated hitter and part-time outfielder for the Mariners. Jarred Kelenic and Taylor Trammell, two young outfielders, could benefit from him starting games in left field when the opposition has a left-handed starting pitcher.

In 440 plate appearances against left-handed pitchers over the course of the last four seasons, Pollock has a slash line of .304/.350/.593. He also has 24 doubles, 31 home runs, 75 RBIs, 26 walks, and 80 strikeouts. He hit well against left-handed pitching, compiling a .286/.316/.619 slash line with nine doubles, 11 home runs, and 25 RBIs.

Across the course of 11 MLB seasons, Pollock has amassed a career slash line of .276/.332/.469 in 1,033 games, including 221 doubles and 140 home runs. Additionally, he has played in 34 playoff games, and in 2020, he and the Dodgers won the World Series.

About the author

Karan has been a baseball sports betting expert, analyst and content strategist at Sportskeeda since 2022. He holds a Master's degree in Sports Management from Virginia Commonwealth University, and worked with the VCU Rams baseball team as a trackman analyst. He started following the sport at 18, watching postseason on television.

Karan is a fan of the Los Angeles Dodgers owing to their successful history in the sport, and their consistent performances at the highest level. He admires Mookie Betts’ on-field defensive and offensive prowess, along with his off-field charitable exploits, while Bruce Bochy is his favorite coach.

The Mets’ miraculous rally from a two-run deficit in the 1986 World Series Game 6 in the bottom of the 10th inning despite being two outs and two strikes down is his all-time favorite baseball moment.

Karan’s strengths are player profiling and technical deep dives, for which he always refers to reliable sources such as the social media handles of the best MLB analysts.

When not strategizing, he likes to read, listen to music, go for a run, and watch sit-coms.

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AJ Pollock has an opportunity to shine with the Mariners