UConn Baseball Alumnus John Andreoli Called Up By Seattle Mariners

It’s been a long road, but after nearly seven years and two organizations, former UConn outfielder John Andreoli made his MLB debut with the Seattle Mariners after the club announced he was called up to the big leagues Wednesday afternoon.

This season, Andreoli hit .294 with a .353 on base percentage and nine stolen bases in 32 games with Triple-A Tacoma before Wednesday’s transaction.

Andreoli has played more than 700 minor leagues and spent three full seasons with the Chicago Cubs’ Triple-A affiliate before signing with Seattle this winter. SB Nation’s Seattle Mariners’ blog Lookout Landing had this to say on Andreoli’s path to the majors:

The crux of it is this: Andreoli was well-regarded in the Cubs system, but perpetually blocked by superior players at the MLB level. He can play all three outfield spots capably, brings a bit of pop along with his speed, but may strike out a good deal in his first ever crack at MLB pitching.

Lookout Landing also wrote a more in-depth piece on Andreoli during the start of spring training.

After Mitch Haniger was hit by a pitch this week, Andreoli’s speed (237 career stolen bases in the minors) and ability to play all three outfield positions may allow him to see action for the Mariners right away.

The Worcester, Massachusetts native was a key contributor on UConn’s 2010 team which hosted a regional in Norwich and featured five players who have played in the MLB - 2017 World Series MVP George Springer, Matt Barnes, Mike Olt, Scott Oberg and Nick Ahmed.

In his debut on Wednesday, he hit eighth and went 1-for-3 with a walk.