National League West Contender Claim Outfielder off Waivers

Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports that the Los Angeles Dodgers claimed Taylor Trammell off waivers from the Seattle Mariners on Tuesday. When spring training came to a close last week, Trammell knew that his time with the Mariners was likely coming to an end.

“I’m at peace with where I’m at,” he told Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times. They’ve been clear with me, and I understand that it’s a business.”

Trammell was once a highly-touted prospect who played center field for the Mariners on Opening Day in 2021. Since he didn’t make the club roster and was out of minor league options, he was ultimately designated for assignment. The Dodgers now must put him on their 26-man active roster.

Taylor Trammell Claimed off Waivers by the Dodgers

In 14 games this spring, Trammell hit .286/.412/.464 with eight hits in 28 at-bats, including a pair of doubles, a home run, and three RBI. He drew six walks to his 11 strikeouts at the plate. The Mariners didn’t depart from Trammell because they didn’t value him, but mainly because he went down on the outfield depth chart. This comes from the midseason trade of Dominica Canzone last year, along with the additions of Luke Raley and Mitch Haniger in the offseason. The Mariners signed Mitch Garver, carrying the full-time designated hitter role in the lineup. Players like Sam Haggerty and Samad Taylor, who can play infield, provide more positional versatility than Trammell.

Trammell’s Career in the Majors

Trammell, 26, was selected by the Cincinnati Reds with the No. 35 pick in the 2016 MLB Draft. He ranked among the top prospects in baseball from 2018-21, even participating in two Futures Games. He has been twice traded, most recently from the San Diego Padres to the Mariners alongside Andrés Muñoz, Ty France, and Luis Torrens in the deal, sending Austin Nola, Austin Adams, and Dan Altavilla back to San Diego. Following the trade, the Mariners were anticipating adding another long-term building block.

With Trammell, Jarred Kelenic, and All-Star Julio Rodríguez, Seattle had prospect depth in the outfield. Two of the three players didn’t pan out, as Trammell and Kelenic are both off the 40-man roster.

Multiple Opportunities

The Mariners gave Trammell plenty of auditions, appearing in each of the last three seasons. He’s yet to prove he can handle big-league pitching when given the opportunity. In 351 plate appearances, he’s hit an atrocious .168/.270/.368 with a 37 percent strikeout rate. However, Trammell has done better in the minor leagues, particularly in Triple-A. He spent parts of three seasons there, hitting an improved .274/.381/.506 batting line and a 24 percent strikeout clip. He’s also hit 38 home runs in his 812 Triple-A plate appearances.

Now that Trammell is on his fourth big league club, he’s out of options. His role has yet to be determined; however, Jason Heyward has been dealing with a back issue. If Heyward misses time on the injured list, Trammell could step into his role until the 38 year old is ready to return.