The Mariners have kept themselves busy this offseason, albeit in a way that has infuriated fans: They have received their fair share of criticisms for sidestepping any major free agents this offseason in favor of a nickel-and-diming their way across their roster, making marginal upgrades at an excruciatingly slow pace. Their marquee free agent acquisition of the offseason is Mitch Garver, a catcher by trade that’s set to get little to no playing time behind the dish.
That’s not to say that the Mariners haven’t indulged in any level of risk. They just gave up both present and future talent in exchange for Jorge Polanco. Losing Justin Topa in said trade created a top-heaviness in the bullpen that has quickly been re-balanced with the acquisition of Gregory Santos, who was traded by the White Sox in exchange for right-hander Prelander Berroa, outfielder Zach DeLoach, and the No. 69 pick in the 2024 draft.
Speaking of Justin Topa, consider this table:
| Player | xwOBAcon | K-BB% | DRA- | WARP |
| Santos | 0.322 | 17.0 | 78 | 1.5 |
| Topa | 0.315 | 15.4 | 80 | 1.5 |
Santos was basically Topa in 2023, with a few more punchouts, and a few less free passes. As far as contact management goes, they’re virtually equal. Both get hitters to put the ball on the ground over 50% of the time. Both limit the longball. The pitch shapes aren’t at all similar, because their releases couldn’t be more different, but as far as outcomes go? They’re relative equals. Or, at least performed like it.
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