Seattle Mariners fans haven't had all that much to celebrate this winter, with the team largely sitting out free agency. However, the team has now made a move that was praised by many when they agreed to a three-year, $8.875 million extension with utility player Dylan Moore.
Utility players don't usually garner much attention, however, Dylan Moore has carved out a special place in the hearts of Mariners fans. The news was greeted warmly among those in the Emerald City as the 2023 season edges ever closer.
As MLB Insider Jeff Passan noted, Seattle Mariners fans do indeed think of Moore as a "superutilityman" rather than simply a player that can fit in at a number of positions.
Moore was originally drafted by the Seattle Mariners' American League West rival the Texas Rangers in 2015. He was selected in the seventh round of that year's MLB June Amateur Draft.
He was traded to the Atlanta Braves in a three-team deal that sent outfielder Jeff Francoeur to the Miami Marlins in 2016. Released by the Braves in March 2018, he signed with the Milwaukee Brewers shortly thereafter. He spent the season in the Brewers' minor leagues until being granted free agency in November of that year.
The Mariners quickly snatched up Moore on November 19, 2018, and he made the team's major-league roster in 2019. He has played for the big-league club ever since. With the extension, he will remain in Seattle through at least 2025.
Moore played everywhere for the Seattle Mariners last season other than catcher and pitcher. His versatility begs the question, when will he take the mound or squat behind the plate?
Dylan Moore's versatility important for Seattle Mariners
On a team with a number of big stars, including Julio Rodriguez and Teoscar Suarez, role players like Dylan Moore play an important role in prolonged success.
Moore's offensive statistics do not catch the eye at first glance. He has a .208 batting average, 112 RBIs, and 35 home runs over his four big-league seasons. He has a relatively scant 4.2 career WAR to his name. But as a capable fielder and top "clubhouse man," Moore's contributions to the Mariners franchise go far beyond the batter's box.