The Seattle Mariners have found themselves in a situation that many teams would be thrilled to be in. They have arguably the best rotation in all of baseball and a stacked outfield with Julio Rodriguez, Randy Arozarena, and Victor Robles. Though, the offense is still subpar.
Bringing, Hall of Fame Slugger Edgar Martinez back into the fold certainly helped the offensive improve towards the end of the year. The front office is hoping to keep that trending in the direction of improvement. Especially, after naming Kevin Seitzer the new hitting coach. The evidence from the 2024 season shows they could use upgrades, especially on the infield.
They could use an improvement at first base. Luke Raley wasn’t bad, but he fits the backup 1B/OF better. The No. 6 prospect according to MLB Pipeline, Tyler Locklear isn’t ready yet. That was clear in the limited time that he got in 2024. With Christian Walker now off the free-agent market, the Mariners’ options are a little limited. However, not as bad as you’d think. The Mariners still have some options.
Pete Alonso
Alonso would be the best choice if the Mariners are willing to shift gears and sign a top free agent after the Astros signed Walker. His market has been kind of slow this offseason, mostly due to his age and his contract demands. He wants a long contract and $30 million a year. The Mariners might be in the best position to give that contract to give him close to that. The likelihood of him getting 30 million is doubtful, but five years for 135 million seems doable for some teams if Alonso is willing to accept that.
Alonso would give the Mariners consistent production in the middle of their lineup and relieve some pressure off of Rodriguez and Cal Raleigh.
Triston Casas
The Mariners were reportedly in trade talks with the Boston Red Sox on a deal including Casas and Luis Castillo. Though, the talks seem to have died. It wouldn’t take long to start them back up but the Mariners may have to add in a prospect or two. Casas, certainly would not be my first choice based on his injury history. He also has no speed and strikes out at a high clip. If the Mariners go this route, it can not and should not be the only move they make.
Ryan Mountcastle
A trade between the Mariners and Orioles makes sense. The Orioles need an established starter and the Mariners need a 1B/3B. If the Mariners were to grab both Mountcastle and Coby Mayo, it would open up the logjam on the Orioles infield.
Any trade with the Orioles would likely include Castillo plus some prospects.
Carlos Santana/Justin Turner
Getting either one of these two veterans would be good for the Mariners. They can use the veteran leadership in the clubhouse. Both are on the older side and past their prime, but the good news for Mariners ownership is they won’t cost much. Both, have played in Seattle for a short stint already. Turner hit better during his stint with the Mariners, but Santana has more pop in his bat.
If the Mariners are to make a trade for an infielder, the front office would likely have to break up their All-Star rotation. Which is sad, that should not be the path that this team has to take. Especially, when they sit middle of the pack in payroll.
