Seattle Mariners – Realistic free agents to consider
Chris Phillips
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Notable Free Agents Fielders Addition
Asdrubal Cabrera
The infielder was part of Washington’s 2019 World Series Champion roster. Last year, he even blocked young highly rated prospect Carter Kieboom from getting valuable playing time. I’d say that’s more of an indication that Kieboom isn’t a major leaguer than Cabrera being great. I do think Cabrera can be an everyday MLB player but is better utilized in a platoon.
Yoenis Cespedes
Cespedes is a personal favorite of mine and a former AL West player. He was a part of the New York Mets’ memorable 2015 World Series run. Since then, he’s been recovering from some strange and bizarre injuries, including one caused by a wild hog.
Early last season, he started to look like the old Cespedes when he slugged a majestic opening day home run. Then he cooled off and suddenly left the Mets without telling them. Reviewing what was reported on this incident, I’m leaning a little more toward what Cespedes said about the situation. This, unfortunately, hurt his reputation, but it should help keep his cost down and be an affordable designated hitter/part-time outfielder for the M’s.
‘After not showing up to ballpark, Mets slugger Yoenis Cespedes opts out of season, Brodie Van Wagenen says’ by @timbhealey for @Newsday: Yoenis Cespedes’ turbulent tenure… https://t.co/T4BRvnIcdt #Mets pic.twitter.com/gSD6DUtKlG
— New York BBWAA (@NYBBWAA) August 3, 2020
Michael Brantley
The Seattle Mariners legacy is a highly unsung, heralded player. All Michael Brantley does is hit, as in a career .297 batting average. Having him near the top of the order would set the table for last season’s Rookie of the Year Kyle Lewis to knock in more runs.
Brantley is a 12 year Major League veteran. His hitting approach would be extremely beneficial to a young roster.
Right now, the only guaranteed starter in Seattle’s outfield is Kyle Lewis. Phenom Jarred Kelenic will be in the show sometime this season. In the meantime, Brantley can play a corner outfield spot. In the chance Kelenic breaks camp with the big club, Brantley’s presence allows skipper Scott Servais some flexibility. Servais can start the season with Mitch Haniger as Seattle’s designated hitter and then ease Haniger back into the outfield as his recovery progresses.
Speed round
- Edwin Encarnacion is out there and could be a DH, but I think the league is going to be telling him “retirement.”
- Marwin Gonzalez is versatile and available. Can he hit Major league pitching at a high level without someone banging trash cans?
- Didi Gregarious has shown his bat isn’t the drag it used to be. Seattle already has a Gold Glove shortstop, J.P. Crawford. He isn’t moving, so Gregarious would need to change positions. I’m not sure he’s ready to do that yet.
- Finally, Ceaser Hernandez is another underrated player. He could be the M’s starting second baseman and set the table at the top of the order.