Seattle Mariners 2022-2023 Offseason To-Do List: Part 1 – Free Agents
Middle Infield
Moving on to the biggest question of the offseason, which, if any of the star-studded shortstop class will Seattle sign? This year’s class includes Trea Turner, Carlos Correa, Xander Bogaerts, and Dansby Swanson.
Dipoto’s stated goal is to get one of these players to agree to move to the Pacific Northwest and have him switch to second base.
Trea Turner
29-year-old Trea Turner will be the most costly to sign. He turned in a very nice season in 2022, to the tune of .298 with 21 home runs and 27 stolen bases and 101 runs scored, and 100 RBI.
That production would look mighty nice in the Mariners lineup. He slots into anywhere from 1-5 in the batting order. I would offer him 6-years, $180 million with 2 option years at the end that can push it to 8 years and $250 million.
Carlos Correa
Carlos Correa is the most notable option, but is he really an option? Correa played for the hated Astros and was a part of the cheating scandal that won them a World Series. Does he have the character that the Mariners want in their locker room?
As a hitter, he is Trea Turner with no stolen bases. Their average and home runs are nearly identical, Correa also had fewer runs scored and RBI than Turner.
It will cost around the same to sign either Correa or Turner. In my humble opinion, Turner is a better fit. Besides, Correa and the Twins want a reunion.
Xander Bogaerts
If the Seattle Mariners are looking for high batting average players who can get on base, the best choice might be Xander Bogaerts. In 2022 he hit .307 with a .377 OBP, 38 doubles, 15 home runs, and 84 RBI. Like the above two, Bogaerts has postseason experience, which will come in handy and replace what Carlos Santana brought to the team.
Moving to second base probably isn’t a big deal for the 30-year-old, four-time all-star. It might even extend his career.
Assuming Dipoto strikes out on Turner, Bogerts gets the next offer somewhere in the neighborhood of 5-years, $130M or so, with incentives and a 2-year option that can push the total to $190M.
Dansby Swanson
Dansby Swanson is the last of the big-name free agents of the 2023 free agent class. He was a big part of Atlanta’s run to the NL East title this season.
Swanson was solid, batting .277 with 25 home runs and 96 RBI. Great numbers, but they also came with 183 strikeouts and a .324 OBP.
Swanson is widely expected to resign with the Atlanta Braves, so like Correa, I wouldn’t spend much time on him. If he somehow makes his way to Seattle, there will be no complaints from me.