Do the Seattle Mariners Have Their Next Edwin Diaz?

The Seattle Mariners offensive struggles are well-noted. As the Mariners are 21-22 and in fourth place in the American League West, they rank in the bottom third of most offensive categories.

The concerns in the bullpen are less noted though. The team has stayed afloat out there thanks to the contributions of unheralded players like Justin Topa, Trevor Gott and Gabe Speier, but that could unravel at any moment.

The team traded Erik Swanson this offseason and has been without stud reliever Andres Munoz most of the season with injury. Matt Brash has been inconsistent, especially in high-leverage situations.

As the team searches for answers offensively, they are also searching for answers among the relief corps.

Enter Prelander Berroa, who could be the team's next Edwin Diaz.

Like Diaz, Berroa came up a starter, but is transitioning to a bullpen role and could be ready to contribute in Seattle in the near future.

Mariners Head of Baseball Operations Jerry Dipoto spoke about him yesterday on the 'Brock and Salk' show on Seattle Sports 710. You can hear his full comments below, but here is a partial transcript:

"Pre has really taken to the bullpen. Throwing 98-100 with a wicked slider... he's the type of guy that you could envision throwing into a major league situation and him just running with it."

The Mariners have pitched exceptionally well. Their bullpen has been filthy even without Munoz. And they may be close to making it even better. Hear what Jerry Dipoto told us today about Prelander Berroa and how it relates to Edwin Diaz.

Whole interview: https://t.co/oBmqRe6sqh pic.twitter.com/wXoxmFjoLv
— Mike Salk, Seattle Sports (@TheMikeSalk) May 19, 2023

Dipoto mentioned that the team wants to see a few more things (back-to-back days, three outings in a week) before bringing Berroa up, but it sounds like it won't be long.

He is currently the Mariners No. 14 prospect, per MLB Pipeline. Here is a portion of his prospect profile:

A case could be made that Berroa might have the best raw stuff in the pipeline, with a top-end fastball-slider combination. Originally signed as an infielder for $200,000 with the Twins in 2016, he then landed with the Giants, who flipped him to the Mariners in 2022 for infielder Donovan Walton, a deal that could be a huge long-term win for Seattle if he stays at this pace.

Berroa’s heater sits in the mid-90s and has touched 99-100 mph with seamless arm-side run, and the slider sits at 82-85 mph possessing a shorter, cutter-like shape; both generate a ton of whiffs and groundouts. He also has a changeup in his back pocket, but he can throw it too hard at times, thus making it hittable. The power profile behind his two best pitches, not to mention command issues, suggests he might be destined for relief long term.

Diaz became a reliever and made his debut with the Mariners in 2016, saving 18 games in 49 appearances. In 2017, he had 34 saves and in 2018, he led baseball in saves with 57.

He was traded to the New York Mets before the 2019 season in the deal that brought Jarred Kelenic to Seattle.

The Mariners will take on the Atlanta Braves in the first game of a three-game set on Friday.

First pitch is scheduled for 7:20 p.m. ET.

Follow Fastball on FanNation in social media

Continue to follow our Fastball on FanNation coverage on social media by LIKING us on Facebook and by following us on Twitter @FastballFN.

You can also subscribe to "The Payoff Pitch" podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.