Part of a series of articles previewing the defensive performance of all 30 MLB teams by asking the question … are they good? We give an overview of team strengths, weaknesses, and other things to know, using Defensive Runs Saved and other stats as the basis for our evaluation. To see the full series, click here.
2025 Team Defensive Runs Saved Rank: 18th
Team Strengths:
Julio Rodriguez had his best statistical season in 2025 with 9 Runs Saved. The home run robberies may stand out, but by our measures this was his best season at catching shallow fly balls. In addition to having good range Runs Saved, Rodriguez’s Outfield Arm Runs Saved, which summed to -4 in his first two seasons, has flipped to 4 combined in his last two seasons.
We also still think that Cal Raleigh is worthy of being listed among the Mariners strengths. Raleigh has consistently been a standout pitch framer but the rest of his defensive game dipped a little bit per our metrics. His Runs Saved the last four seasons are 14, 2, 17, 2.
Team Weaknesses
The Mariners probably aren’t starting any bad defensive players. Josh Naylor is probably the closest to being one but he got better last year, going from -6 Runs Saved in 2024 to -1 in 2025. Left fielder Randy Arozarena could be one too. He’s totaled -6, 4, -8, and -1 Runs Saved the last four seasons.
Other Things To Know
The Mariners have two potential strengths in shortstop J.P. Crawford and third baseman Brendan Donovan. Crawford has a Gold Glove pedigree and saved a career-high 9 Runs in 2024. But he totaled -3 Runs Saved in 2025 as he didn’t fare as well on balls hit in the shortstop-third base hole compared to past seasons. His defensive results have been inconsistent from year to year, so it’s hard to get a handle on just how good he is.
J.P. Crawford – Defensive Runs Saved By Season
| Season | Runs Saved |
| 2020 | 6 |
| 2021 | 6 |
| 2022 | -4 |
| 2023 | -4 |
| 2024 | 9 |
| 2025 | -3 |
Donovan has 6 Runs Saved in a 46-game sample at third base. He did not play there last season as he was primarily a second baseman (-2 Runs Saved in 100 games).
Outfielder Victor Robles also falls into that category. He’s had seasons of 22 Runs Saved and 12 Runs Saved as a center fielder. He totaled 4 Runs Saved as a versatile outfielder two seasons ago but missed most of last year due to injury.
Top prospect shortstop Cole Emerson could be coming to the majors soon. He is listed with a 45/50 scouting grade for defense on FanGraphs’ prospect list but he held his own in the minor leagues last season, notching 4 Runs Saved (yes, we track the minor leagues too).
Are the Mariners A Good Defensive Team?
They could be very good if all the potential strengths turn into strengths. They’re probably better than 18th right now. How much better is going to be tough to gauge because there are too many inconsistencies among those playing every day.
