Meet Mariners' utility player Dylan Moore
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Dylan Moore of the Mariners warms up before a game this month against the Oakland Athletics. Photo: Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images
In a year beset by injuries and roster changes, one quiet mainstay in the Mariners' lineup has been utility player Dylan Moore.
Why it matters: Sometimes described as a Swiss Army knife that can be plugged into any position, Moore can find himself anyplace on the field.
State of play: Moore, who signed with the Mariners in 2018, took some time recently to answer a few of our questions by email, which we have edited for clarity and length.
The role of utility player can be underappreciated. What does it mean to you?
- My position is often providing value at the margins, and operating in the background, but I love the daily impact and responsibility. I take pride in having a skill set which allows my team to plug me in wherever I'm needed.
Does your role require a certain mindset?
- Definitely. The unknown of when and where you're going to play throughout the week is probably the hardest mental challenge.
- When you're coming off the bench you have to stay in the game and be ready to do your job, whether that's pinch-hitting, pinch-running, or a defensive substitution.
What is the most challenging position?
- Besides catcher, shortstop is the hardest position on the field.
How do you prepare physically?
- It's all about versatility; Being quick, athletic, agile — and staying healthy — are the most important things.
What has your experience been like playing for Seattle's fanbase?
- This city yearns for a championship. They've had a lot of good teams over the years that just didn't quite get over the hump, and we want to deliver for them.
- I remember in 2022 when we made the playoffs, it was an unbelievable atmosphere. People were thanking us for ending the drought, and that was incredibly special, but I think we can go even further than that.
What is your biggest challenge?
- Balancing work and family time. I met my wife, a golfer, when we were at University of Central Florida in Orlando.
- We have three kids, the first is now 7, the second is 4 and our youngest just turned three months old.
What are a few of your favorite things to do outside of playing ball?
- We've lived in Bellevue the past few years, and some of my favorite spots are Ascend Steakhouse, the mall, going to Medina Park or Meydenbauer Bay Park with the kids is a lot of fun. There's just so much to do and it's a real vibe in the summertime.
What's next: The Mariners take on the Rangers in a three-game series starting Friday in Texas and then the division-leading Astros starting Monday.