Jerry Dipoto, Seattle Mariners.
Currently, the MLB is in lockout mode. The Seattle Mariners can’t add to their roster at all during this time. The lockout is expected to end and not greatly impact the regular sseason. There was a flurry of moves made right before the lockout hit.
We need to talk about something before we look into free agent signings. The Seattle Mariners might be more likely to acquire helpful talent via trade than free agency. Trading off course, means the M’s are giving someone away to get someone in return. Most likely, that means GM Jerry Dipoto deals away some of his luxurious farm system talent.
He’s not trading away some of the top prospects. Consequently, some of the lower ones may be on the move. Additionally, a few Major Leaguers could be dealt away, as well. But the M’s don’t have much extra talent they can trade without impacting the team. However, there are still a few big names and impact players available. So, let’s look at who the Seattle Mariners are most likely to sign.
So, it’s never going to happen, but Freddie Freeman is a free agent. Yes, that’s correct; the face of the Atlanta Braves franchise is available to sign with any team he chooses. Every indication is that the two sides will eventually agree on a new CBA. However, if I’m Dipoto, I call Freeman and ask one or two questions.
First, would Freeman legitimately have any interest in playing anywhere else? If he does, then the second question should be how quickly can you make it to Seattle? Just give the man a blank check and just about whatever else Freeman wants, so he can play ball in the Pacific Northwest. Again, this won’t happen, but the longer he’s a free agent, the more I’m wondering if he might sign elsewhere.
A quick bit on Kris Bryant and Trevor Story. These two players have been linked to the Seattle Mariners a few times this offseason. Getting both would be amazing. In doing so, Adam Frazier most likely becomes the starting left fielder. Bryant at third base and Story at second base. It is doubtful the team gets both. It is more likely they land one of them. Bryant would be the preferred option, as he can provide more roster flexibility for manager Scott Servais.
Kenley Jansen, Carlos Rodon, and Clayton Kershaw are the remaining top players left available. It is highly unlikely that the Dodgers lose out on both Kershaw and Jansen. It’s also unlikely the Seattle Mariners will get either of them. However, knowing that Servais is comfortable leaning on his bullpen, adding Jansen to be the team’s closer would be huge! The trickle-down effect is Paul Sewald, Diego Castillo, Drew Stecknrider, Ken Giles, and Andres Munoz all can come in earlier in the game.
Subsequently, it would make the Seattle Mariners bullpen one of the best in the MLB. The other guy mentioned Rodon is coming off a career year. Unfortunately, even in that career year, he missed time with injury. Injury is the biggest concern with him. The fact is he’s going to miss time; it’s just a matter of how much. This is what will limit the amount of money he gets. So, it’s possible the M’s sign him, but I doubt they will give up the most money to acquire him.
As previously mentioned, the Seattle Mariners may more likely fill their needs via trade rather than through free agency. This idea must remain when viewing these names. It’s no secret the Mariners need some more offensive firepower and thump in their lineup. Arguably the biggest thumper left, Kyle Schwarber.
During his MLB career, he’s played some left field, first base, or DH. Again this gives Servais some roster flexibility. There is no concern with his ability to hit the ball. The questions arise with his ability to play the field. He’s shown improvement in the outfield and faired well at first base. However, he’d have to fight for playing time with Ty France and Evan White.
Leaving DH as his best or most frequent played position. Having a full-time DH could hurt the team’s ability to provide mini rests for older or injury-prone players like Mitch Haniger or Kyle Lewis. But like I said, Schwarber can play some other places. The other concern is Schwardber is coming off the best year of his career. Can he repeat last year’s performance? That is the question. That is the question that will impact the money.
Another option is former Minnesota and Cleveland cast off Eddie Rosario. Rosario offers some pop and speed. After his 2019 year, his career has started to go downhill. Subsequently, he did earn the NLCS MVP, so maybe he’s recaptured some of his earlier career success. That is the question. That is the question that will impact the money.
A concern in signing an outfielder is not blocking top prospect Julio Rodriguez. The Mariners might be thinking more of a one or two-year deal. Schwarber and Rosario may be looking for a little bit more of a long-term contract. There is also the question of what the Seattle Mariners want to do with Mitch Haniger. So, maybe Seattle will find a middle ground.
The resigning of an old friend could be on tap. Ok, so he’s not that old, but he did well during his short time with the Seattle Mariners. Of course, I’m talking about Tyler Anderson. The other option could be Matthew Boyd, but I’m giving the nod to Anderson since there’s some familiarity.
Look, the simple fact remains that as for highly talented as the young Seattle Mariners pitching prospects, not one of them is proven at the MLB level. The signing of Anderson gives the M’s another MLB-proven arm that can eat innings and help ease the young pitchers into the MLB.
Last year the Seattle Mariners bullpen was a real strength for the team a the end of the year. And knowing that it’s hard to expect relievers to duplicate their year-to-year success, it makes sense to add some relievers. Especially since a couple of relievers are returning from injury, Ken Giles and Andres Munoz.
Subsequently, the bullpen is skewed heavily with righties. This leads to the signing of Andrew Chafin and/or Brad Hand. Chafin is coming off a very good year, and for his career, he’s been very effective. Another good option is Yusmeiro Petit, who is right-handed, but has good career numbers against both right and left-handed hitters.
On the other Hand (see what I did there), he is coming off a roller coaster of a year. He had much better success with his NL teams than his AL team. These players would team up with the relievers the Seattle Mariners already have, forming one of the best and strongest bullpens in the league. Now, we’ll see how many of these I get right.
Who do you think the Seattle Mariners will sign in free agency? Let us know in the comments section below.