Top 10 Seattle Mariners free agent targets to consider
Jeremy Jeffress (Photo by Ben Voigtschild, via Wikimedia).
7. James Paxton – New York Yankees – SP
5 starts, 20.1 innings pitched, 1-1 record, 26 strikeouts, 6.64 ERA, 1.213 WHIP.
A Big Maple return to Seattle? It could happen. As Mariners fans know, James Paxton has the pitching arsenal of a top of the rotation starter. When he’s on, his fastball and cutter are plus pitches, not to mention the nasty changeup he throws. They also know Paxton has trouble staying healthy.
Due to a back injury, the 6-4 lefty didn’t make his 2020 debut until August 28 and was absolutely ineffective over five starts this season. It looks like he can be had for a bargain. Then again, with such questionable durability, he doesn’t hold much value if he can’t take his regular turn.
8. Jurickson Profar – San Diego Padres – Utility
56 games, 190 at-bats, 7 home runs, 25 RBI, .278/.343/.428/.771, 1.1 WAR.
Since coming to the Majors as a 19-year-old in 2012, Jurickson Profar’s career had more downs than ups. It feels like he’s been around forever, which is understandable because Profar spent most of his years in the A.L. West.
Like many current M’s players, Profar can play several positions. He’s probably a better fielder than Dylan Moore, but that’s not what makes him attractive to Seattle. Profar is a switch-hitter with 20+ home run power. That’s rare these days.
Am I in love with the idea of signing Jurickson Profar? No way. Do I think he provides a few valuable things the Seattle Mariners need? You bet.
9. Jeremy Jeffress – Chicago Cubs – RP (setup/ middle)
22 games, 23.1 innings pitched, 4-1 record, 8 saves, 3 holds, 17 strikeouts, 1.54 ERA, 0.943 WHIP, 1.2 WAR.
Seattle needs arms in the pen. Jeremy Jeffress proved himself to be an effective reliever since arriving in the show in 2010. He has a career ERA of 3.08, and since 2012 he’s had a full season ERA over 3.60 only twice, and under 2.66, four times. At 33-years old, Jeffress doesn’t have the same zip as he did in his younger days but still throws a hard splitter that gets plenty of outs.
10. Tommy La Stella – Oakland Athletics – 2B
55 games, 196 at-bats, 5 home runs, 25 RBI, .281/.370/.449/.819.
The perfect complement to Ty France and Dylan Moore. He’s the left-handed version of the current M’s duo. Basically, Tommy La Stella is a platoon guy with doubles power and a decent glove at second. For a team short of lefty bats, La Stella is a good fit.
Who do you think the Seattle mariners should pursue in free agency? Let us know in the comments section below or on social media.