Dylan Moore, JP Crawford Rank Surprisingly High in Impressive Statistic

JP Crawford and Dylan Moore didn't have the best seasons from a batting average standpoint, but they were among the most disciplined hitters in the league in another category.

Seattle Mariners shortstop J.P. Crawford celebrates after hitting a triple against the Texas Rangers on Sept. 21 at Globe Life Field. / Andrew Dieb-Imagn Images

The Seattle Mariners are trying to sort out who their starting second and third baseman will be on Opening Day on March 27, 2025.

The Mariners missed out on the playoffs by one game for the second season in a row in 2024 despite having arguably the best starting pitching rotation in baseball.

Whatever new additions Seattle makes will play a huge role in whether or not the team can make it back to the postseason in 2025. But the improvement of returning players will be just as important.

Several players had down offensive seasons in 2024. But the offense, as a whole, was significantly better in the 34-game sample size under manager Dan Wilson and hitting coach (now Senior Director of Hitting Strategy) Edgar Martinez. Whether or not that trend of solid offense continues will depend on the team's top contributors.

Luckily, two infielders who are likely to be everyday players in 2025 are among the best in the league in an encouraging statistic.

The Mariners starting shortstop, JP Crawford, and Gold Glove utility player, Dylan Moore, didn't have great offensive numbers in 2024. Crawford hit .202 with nine home runs and 37 RBIs and missed over a month with a broken finger. Moore batted .201 with 10 homers and batted in 42.

But both players are among the best in the league at not chasing out of the zone. According to a tweet from Thomas Nestico (@TJStats on X), Moore had the third-lowest chase rate in the league at 17.7% and Crawford had the fifth-lowest at 18.2%.

Lowest Chase Rates pic.twitter.com/q8gDEol63X

— Thomas Nestico (@TJStats) January 2, 2025

Crawford and Moore's defense has been elite despite their offensive struggles. And based on their chase rate, both have a patient approach at the plate. If they both manage to improve on their offensive numbers in 2025, then the Seattle lineup has a chance to be significantly better than what it was last year.

JP Crawford getting offseason work in with the Director of Hitting at Driveline.

Mariners need JP in a BIG way this season👀 pic.twitter.com/LQeqphb0zy

— EastCoastM’s🔱 (@EastCoastMs_) December 29, 2024

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