Seattle Mariners 2023 Second Base Options Bleak
The Seattle Mariners are building a winner but have a big hole at second base. Options to fill the void are slim.
Jean Segura
One of the biggest names in the free agency pool is former Seattle Mariners and Phillies infielder Jean Segura. The former two-time all-star is looking for a new team after a down year in which he only suited up for 98 games.
Historically, Segura strikes out less than Torres and Wong, which is one of the few appealing aspects of his joining the team. However, with injuries and age (he’ll turn 33 before spring training), Segura could be a blessing or a curse for a team hungry to contend and win.
Two more high-profile free agents out there fall into the same category as Segura, damaged goods in one form or another, and their addition could be good or bad.
Donovan Solano
Donovan Solano is 35 years old and missed some time in 2022, collecting just 79 hits in 80 games. Recently he won a Silver Slugger award in 2020, but with just 572 hits in nine seasons on his resume, he averages around 62 hits a season and is no threat to run on the bases.
Furthermore, age and injuries are not on his side, despite his ability to hit doubles and strikes out less than Torres, Frazier, Segura, and Wong.
Cesar Hernandez
Another exciting player who is available is Cesar Hernandez, formerly of the Washington Nationals. Out of all the potential moves the Seattle Mariners could make for a second baseman, he could be the best-bruised apple in the bunch.
Hernandez is streaky, but when he’s hot, he connects. The nine-year MLB veteran can easily lead the Mariners in hits or finish in the top three since his career average is 156 a season.
However, he’s never constantly been an RBI hitter, tends to reach triple-digits in strikeouts, and has seen his OPS drop in recent years. Nevertheless, under the right circumstances, he could come to town, find his swing again and provide superior defense up the middle with a .982 fielding percentage.