Seattle Mariners make roster move in search of offensive pop

Jonatan Clase. Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Seattle Mariners make big roster move in search of offensive pop

By Andrew Kulha | Last updated 4/15/24

Baseball is a tough sport, especially in the batter's box. Keep in mind that those considered all-time greats at the professional level still fail seven out of every ten at-bats.

It's not a sport for the faint of heart.

That's not to excuse the Seattle Mariners for their offensive struggles in this early season, though. They currently have the third-worst team batting average in baseball at .204, and they've only knocked in 49 runs, which is just a hair over three runs per game.

It makes sense, then, that the Mariners are looking for a pop in the lineup, and they're hoping to get it out of rookie outfielder Jonatan Clase — the top prospect in their organization.

Clase, a 21-year-old switch-hitter, has been called up after batting .311 with four doubles, two triples and two home runs in Triple-A Tacoma.

The Man of Steal is going to Seattle!

Join us in congratulating Jonatan Clase (‘23) on getting the call to The Show! pic.twitter.com/PNAEgWJaYc
— Arkansas Travelers (@ARTravs) April 15, 2024

While it is certainly exciting for the Mariners to have a top prospect hit the show, this move isn't without risk.

Yes, Clase performed well in Triple A, but that was only in a 12-game sample size. He's also blown through the minors, having spent last season in both Single-A and Double-A.

Clase has absolutely been fast-tracked, but ask any minor league star who became a big leaguer, and they'll all tell you that there's a major difference between hitting bombs down on the farm and getting used to MLB pitching.

The team certainly hopes he succeeds, but don't be surprised if it takes him some time to get used to things at the MLB level.

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