Seattle Mariners: Kyle Seager’s Last Dance
Chris Phillips
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Kyle Seager has been a fixture in the Seattle Mariners lineup since he arrived in 2011. This season will be his last dance in the Emerald City.
Just like the Europe song, “It’s the final countdown,” for Seattle Mariners’ third baseman Kyle Seager in an M’s jersey. His last day won’t be the MLB trade deadline. It’ll be after the 2021 season. Shocking, coming from the guy who’s been trying to trade Seager for just about anything that will benefit the M’s.
The truth is Seager rightfully earned his seven-year, $100M contract extension from the M’s just before the 2015 season. A quick recap since it’s been a minute. In 2014 Seager made the All-Star game and earned a gold glove while having the second-best season of his career.
Unlike some players who flop after signing their big deal, Seager had two more great seasons. All this did is validate his deal even more. Unfortunately, after 2016 it’s gone downhill. The Mariners most tenured played hasn’t hit at least .250 since then.
In our recent Seattle Mariners over/under article, the PNWS baseball writers were asked if Seager’s last game with Seattle would come before or after the 2021 trade deadline. Only one of five believed he would be moved. The other four thought no other team would pick up his contract, which changes the $15M option for 2022, from team to player.
Seager might return to finish his contract
There is always the possibility that 2021 isn’t Seager’s last year in the Emerald City. If he somehow manages to continue his return towards All-Star form, then the club will be forced into considering picking up his option. Especially considering there is no obvious elite glove replacement on the Mariners roster or farm system.
Even if the Mariners don’t exercise their 2022 option on Seager, he could still stay in Seattle. They could always sign him to new a contract over the winter.