Mariners reportedly claim pitcher Mauricio Llovera from Red Sox

The Seattle Mariners have a new pitcher on the roster, but who is Mauricio Llovera and what does he potentially offer to the team?

It’s been an interesting if not inspiring offseason to date for the Seattle Mariners. They’ve parted company with the likes of Jarred Kelenic, Eugenio Suárez and Robbie Ray, while signing Mitch Garver and bringing back Mitch Haniger.

The offseason could still be a more positive one, if the Mariners were prepared to pursue someone such as Blake Snell or Cody Bellinger. However, the team’s apparent financial situation means no such major signing is likely, not that there would be any issue with being proved wrong.

Instead, more moves such as the latest reported one, are likely the way forward between now and when pitchers and catchers report in mid-February. As per Mass Live beat writer Chris Cottilo, the Mariners have claimed Mauricio Llovera off waivers from the Boston Red Sox.

Llovera was designated for assignment last week, after the Red Sox signed Lucas Giolito. The question is, what does he bring to Seattle in terms of being able to help the Mariners?

Who is Mauricio Llovera?

In truth, the 27-year-old’s Major League stat line doesn’t make for the best of reading, with a 5.80 ERA, 5.21 FIP and 1.576 WHIP during his 54 appearances spread over four seasons in the Majors. Last season saw his most extensive action yet in the Majors, as he pitched a combined 35.0 innings for the San Francisco Giants and Red Sox, producing a 4.89 ERA, 4.34 FIP and 1.457 WHIP in the process.

Still focused on last season, Llovera mostly relied on his 95 mph sinker and 83 mph slider. His slider is particularly effective, with it forcing more flyballs compared to the average pitcher’s slider.

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For the righty’s Major League career as a whole, which includes two seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies, he has a 20.6 percent strikeout rate and 10.1 percent walk rate. Of note, he also has a 3.6 percent home run rate during his combined 59.0 innings of Major League action, but is coming off a season where it dropped all the way down to 1.4 percent.

One of the main reasons for the Mariners signing Llovera, likely links to the potential they believe he has. In this respect, consider that he has recorded an impressive 2.82 ERA and 1.122 WHIP in 64 appearances at the Triple-A level during the past three seasons, during which he made six starts and finished 16 games, alluding to some invaluable versatility.

The Venezuela native is out of options, meaning if he doesn’t stay on the Mariners he will be removed from the 40-man roster entirely. However, if he does remain, then the team can control him for five years before he is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent.

What is your opinion of the addition of Llovera to the roster? Further, what is your overall take on the offseason to date for the Mariners? Let us know in the comments section below.