As of Friday, utility player Dylan Moore of the Seattle Mariners is struggling, having recorded only two hits in his last 62 at-bats since the end of May. At 33 years old and approaching free agency, Moore’s playing time has diminished significantly, prompting speculation about his future on the team amid ongoing roster decisions.
Considering Luke Raley’s Return to Strengthen the Roster
Luke Raley, sidelined since late July with back spasms, is on the verge of returning from the injured list. Demonstrating power potential, he recently hit a grand slam for Triple-A Tacoma and followed up with another strong home run. As Raley is out of minor league options, he must be kept on the major league roster once ready, which could lead to adjustments in the current bench configuration.
When Raley previously returned, the Mariners sent Miles Mastrobuoni to Triple-A. If the team opts to replace Moore with Raley, Mastrobuoni might remain with the major league squad, although this would introduce left-handed hitting overlap on the bench. The team would then primarily rely on Mitch Garver and Donovan Solano as right-handed bench batters, which may influence in-game tactical choices.
Leo Rivas: A Younger, Versatile Alternative
Leo Rivas, a 27-year-old utility player, has already seen appearances with the Mariners in 2024 and 2025 and shares many on-field responsibilities similar to Moore. A strong defender at second base and shortstop, Rivas has also taken reps at third base during spring training. Currently batting .306 with a .457 on-base percentage at Triple-A, he complements his contact hitting with 18 stolen bases, adding speed to the lineup.
Further enhancing his value, Rivas is a switch-hitter, offering lineup flexibility. However, he does not provide outfield coverage. Should the Mariners decide to move on from Moore in favor of Rivas, the team’s outfield bench depth would mainly rest on Raley until Victor Robles returns to full strength.
Samad Taylor Brings Speed and Versatility, But Lacks Shortstop Coverage
Samad Taylor, also 27, offers similar skill sets to Moore, playing both second base and the outfield, along with right-handed batting. Taylor’s standout attributes include speed—highlighted by 35 stolen bases for Triple-A Tacoma—and some power, demonstrated by 16 home runs and 68 RBIs. His current batting average sits at .304 in the Pacific Coast League.
While Taylor adds offensive energy and defensive versatility, he cannot cover shortstop, a position where Moore has provided crucial service. Given the limited at-bats typically available for bench players, teams prioritizing tactical base running and defensive shading might find Taylor appealing despite this limitation.
Upcoming Games and Organizational Context
The Mariners are set to face the New York Mets on Friday at 4:05 p.m. PT, providing one of the next opportunities for roster adjustments involving Moore and other bench candidates. This series arrives amidst ongoing discussions about the team’s bench dynamics and the best path forward.
Recent team events have included Ichiro Suzuki’s jersey retirement ceremony, where Dan Wilson delivered a memorable speech, highlighting the rich history surrounding the clubhouse. Meanwhile, longtime Mariners broadcaster Rick Rizzs returned to the television booth this week, energizing the fanbase and adding to the narrative surrounding the team’s ongoing season.
Analyzing the Potential Impact of Roster Changes on Team Dynamics
The decision regarding Dylan Moore’s roster status carries significant weight for the Mariners’ strategy. Opting for either Luke Raley, Leo Rivas, or Samad Taylor would each shift the team’s depth chart and tactical options differently. Raley’s power and outfield ability could shift bench composition toward left-handed hits, while Rivas’s switch-hitting and defensive flexibility at infield positions offer balanced playmaking, though with reduced outfield coverage. Taylor’s speed and multifaceted defense bring an aggressive running game element but sacrifice shortstop versatility.
Choosing to keep or release Moore will likely influence not only the Mariners’ bench performance but also their lineup construction, defensive shifts, and base-running aggressiveness as they navigate the latter half of the season and approach offseason decisions tied to free agency.
Continued Coverage and Fan Engagement
Fans and analysts continue to engage with the team’s developments through various media channels. The “Refuse to Lose” podcast offers in-depth discussions by voices like Brady Farkas and insights from Mariners reporters such as Teren Kowatsch, focusing on roster debates, recent losses, and future outlooks. Social media platforms remain active spaces for following inside information, with the Seattle Mariners community eagerly analyzing each roster move and its implications.