Despite not making the playoffs in 2021, the Mariners have had quite the season. They finished just two games away from a playoff spot.
Seattle may have been just one player away from playing games in October. Unfortunately, Jerry Dipoto didn’t necessarily seem optimistic at the trade deadline, having let go of his star reliever, Kendall Graveman, in particular.
But during the offseason, Dipoto decided to spend. Prior to the work stoppage, he acquired Robbie Ray through the free agent market and when the lockout will be lifted, he will sign other free agents.
One of his priorities would include adding a right-handed power hitter in the infield and a left-handed hitter in the outfield.
Mariners On The Hunt For Right-Handed Power Bat https://t.co/mdXmmQ8eMT pic.twitter.com/hmfSosv0xW
— MLB Trade Rumors (@MLBtraderumors) February 19, 2022
On the market, there are several options that would meet his needs. Kyle Seager, who occupied the team’s third base all along, hung up his cleats and Seattle would be looking for a player to replace him.
Kris Bryant? Matt Chapman? José Ramirez (ambidextrous)? All good replacements, but come at a big price. KB is a free agent right now and Seattle still has some spare cash. As for Chapman and Ramirez, their team is starting a rebuild and it will demand a lot in return from its players.
Good news for Seattle: the team has one of the best futures in MLB. Dipoto has plenty to spare, hopes to trade.
As for Carlos Correa, forget him there. The free agent doesn’t plan to change position and the Mariners don’t plan to move JP Crawford from the #6 position. A marriage between the two camps seems impossible, therefore. Trevor Story, would he agree to change position to come to Seattle? May be.
What about the left-handed hitter in the field? The M’s have good players in the outfield. The president of baseball operations would only like to add a little depth by acquiring a Billy Hamilton, Matt Joyce or Billy McKinney for example.
He could also be interested in Joc Pederson and/or Eddie Rosario if they agree not to play 100% of the time.
In short, Seattle will be one to watch this season. He could very well make the playoffs for the first time since the Ken Griffey Jr./Edgar Martinez era.
