Seattle Mariners: 2023 free agents – Best of the Rest
The Seattle Mariners have been quiet in free agency this winter. If they decide to make a late run at adding to the roster, these players best fit their needs.
So far, Major League teams have spent over $2.5B on free agent signings. The Seattle Mariners are responsible for $1M of that total. Not very impressive.
Even after trading for Teoscar Hernandez and Kolten Wong, the M’s still have holes to fill. Among them are a regular left fielder (or at least a right-handed bat who could platoon with Jarred Kelennic), a designated hitter, a corner infielder to backup Ty France and Eugenio Suarez, someone who can get on base, and some bullpen help, preferably a lefty.
After the most recent signings, the remaining free agent pickings are slim. This is the best of what’s left with their respective pros and cons.
Michael Conforto – LF/RF – 30 years old – Bats: L
2022 – Did not play
Pros
- Michael Conforto has a career slash line of .255/.356/.468/.824 with good power.
- Has become more of a pull hitter, and the change in shift rules will help him.
- A Seattle native, he went to Redmond High School.
- Crushes right-handed pitching, .873 career OPS.
Cons
- Didn’t play in 2022 after shoulder surgery the previous fall.
- Should produce more than he does at the plate.
- Streaky hitter.
- A Scott Boros client, he could be expensive for someone who hasn’t played in a year.
If the Mariners want a full-time left fielder, Michael Conforto is their guy. Conforto also fits in as a DH while he works his way back from a year off.