Seattle Mariners 2022-2023 Offseason To-Do List: Part 1 – Free Agents
First up, we look at the M’s internal free agents. Then decide what to do with them.
Available to walk away from the Seattle Mariners this winter are Adam Frazier, Mitch Haniger, Carlos Santana, Curt Casali, and Matt Boyd.
Mitch Haniger
Of the five players, I would tender a qualifying offer to Mitch, which currently stands at 19.65 million. In doing this, Mitch would then have 10 days to accept the offer or not, during which he can also negotiate with other teams as well.
If he does end up signing with another team, then the Seattle Mariners would receive a compensation draft pick depending on the amount of the contract he signs elsewhere. At the very least, I try to sign him to a new deal.
Although it looks like Haniger won’t get a qualifying offer, Seattle Mariners General Manager Jerry Dipoto would like to have the right fielder back.
I think we’re in a healthy place with Mitch,” Dipoto said. “He is aware that we would like to have him back… We also know that if all is equal, I think Mitch does have interest in Seattle” he said. “But all may not be equal, and we have to see what that looks like in the weeks or potentially months to come.”
Seattle Mariners GM Jerry Dipoto on Seattle Sports 710-AM
Carlos Santana
Santana is a tough one to call. He lit a spark upon his arrival in a midseason trade, filling in for injured Ty France. Santana also had quite a few clutch hits over the last half of the year.
Clutch, yes, but overall he hit just .192 in 79 games with the Seattle Mariners. With Dipoto’s stated goal of raising the team’s batting average, Santana doesn’t seem like a good fit going forward.