Kyle Seager on Mariners’ new focus of getting on base: ‘I’m gonna have to get better at it’

In the short time Jerry Dipoto and Scott Servais have been in Seattle, they’ve turned the Mariners upside down. They’ve implemented a new philosophy based around the home ballpark, and Dipoto has brought in numerous players to support the vision and a core of All-Stars.

One of those All-Stars is third baseman Kyle Seager, a one-time Gold Glove winner signed with the team through the 2021 season.

Dipoto: Mariners have unique advantage, should compete for A.L. West title

What does he think of the shakeups executed by the second general manager and third manager he’s seen since first cracking the MLB roster in 2011?

“It’s been fun to follow,” Seager said Saturday at Mariners FanFest.

As for how he might fit the organization’s new strategies, which on offense includes an increased emphasis on on-base percentage and decreased one on hitting home runs, Seager’s response was candid.

“I’m gonna have to get better at it, for sure,” he said.

Seager has been remarkably consistent in his four full years with Seattle, hitting between .259 and .268, totaling somewhere between 20 and 26 home runs, and posting on-base percentages no lower than .316 but no higher than .338. While there’s something to be said about his solid and consistent numbers, they’re not exactly stellar, especially for a player on a seven-year, $100 million deal.

The good news is Seager is aware that he still has room for improvement at the plate, and he’s understands the plan put in place by Dipoto and Servais.

“It makes sense. Everything they say, it makes sense. You look at the ballpark – the plan seems smart,” he said. “Obviously it’s easier said than done … It’s a big ballpark. It’s hard to rely on home runs.”

Whether that means Seager himself will tailor his game to getting on base more is yet to seen, but the possibly makes him one of the more intriguing players to watch when the Mariners begin spring training next month.