The Seattle Mariners have invited infielder/outfielder Brian Anderson and right-handed pitcher Trevor Kelley to join their training camp on minor league contracts, according to Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times. Anderson, represented by CAA Sports, and Kelley, represented by C.L. Rocks Corporation, will both be joining the Mariners for the upcoming season.

Anderson, who will turn 31 in May, has experienced a downturn in performance over the past three seasons, largely due to injuries. After being let go by the Miami Marlins, he signed with the Milwaukee Brewers last year. Despite playing in 96 games for the Brewers, Anderson struggled at the plate, posting a batting line of .226/.310/.368 with a wRC+ of 85. Additionally, he dealt with a lower back strain that landed him on the injured list for a few weeks before ultimately being released by the Brewers in October. Similar struggles plagued Anderson during his time with the Marlins in 2021 and 2022, where he battled oblique, shoulder, and back issues and posted a combined batting line of .233/.321/.359 with a 90 wRC+.

However, Anderson had a successful three-year stretch prior to his recent struggles. During his tenure with the Marlins, spanning 341 games over three seasons (one shortened due to the pandemic), he posted a batting line of .266/.350/.436 with a 115 wRC+. He displayed solid plate discipline, drawing walks at a 9% rate and striking out at a reasonable rate of 21.8%. Anderson also showcased his versatility by playing multiple positions, including third base, right field, first base, and second base.

Defensively, Anderson has generally received positive assessments, particularly at third base where he contributed two Defensive Runs Saved and three Outs Above Average. While his performance in right field has been more mixed, with Defensive Runs Saved at +8 and Outs Above Average at -10, his arm strength is considered elite, ranking in the 98th percentile among qualified players according to Statcast data from last year.

The Mariners currently face uncertainty at both third base and the outfield corners. Luis Urías and Josh Rojas are slated for a third base platoon despite recent struggles, while Julio Rodríguez and Mitch Haniger are penciled in for outfield spots, with Luke Raley, Taylor Trammell, Cade Marlowe, and Dominic Canzone competing for playing time.

Brian Anderson provides depth at both positions and could potentially fill a platoon role, although upon closer examination, this may not be the best fit. Despite hitting from the right side, Anderson has performed better against right-handed pitchers throughout his career, boasting a .258/.344/.413 slash line with a 108 wRC+. Conversely, his numbers against left-handed pitchers are less impressive, with a .231/.312/.375 line and a wRC+ of 89. Nonetheless, Anderson strengthens the Mariners’ depth chart at positions where they have uncertainties.

Trevor Kelley, 31, struggled with the Rays last year, posting a 5.87 ERA in 15 1/3 big league innings and a 5.23 ERA in Triple-A before being outrighted in September. Despite his recent struggles, Kelley has shown promise in the minors, with a career Triple-A ERA of 2.38 over 197 innings across five seasons. He has displayed solid strikeout ability, fanning 24.4% of batters faced while maintaining a walk rate of only 8.5% at that level.

While the Mariners boast a strong bullpen currently, injuries are inevitable over a long season. Kelley will compete for a role among other experienced non-roster invitees like Heath Hembree, Ty Buttrey, Kirby Snead, and others. Notably, if Kelley is added to the roster at any point, he will be out of options.