The word on the street is that the Seattle Mariners don’t have much money to spend in free agency. While Dipoto stated that trading any of the rotation arms would be “Plan Z” the Mariners have been yielding calls in their starters. Luis Castillo has gotten the most attention after the Mariners declined early calls on their younger pitchers.
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Both, Dipoto and General Manager Justin Hollander stated that the infield needs to be addressed. During the Winter Meetings, there were a lot of talks between the Mariners and Red Sox about a potential deal that would send Castillo to Boston in exchange for Triston Casas. Though, the trade talks stalled with reports coming out saying that neither team viewed the player value the same.
According to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand, there was another wrinkle in the mix. The Red Sox wanted to add designated hitter/outfielder Masataka Yoshida to the deal. Before the 2023 season, Yoshida signed a five-year, $90 million deal. He’s set to still make $55.8 million over the final three years of the deal.
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The deal doesn’t seem bad on paper. Except, there are a few problems. The first would be that the Mariners seem sold on having a platoon at first base, which doesn’t make sense with two left-handed bats. The Mariners currently have Luke Raley slotted to see some time at first base and in the outfield.
A season ago, Ty France was the Mariners’ starting first baseman until he got DFA’d and later traded in July. At the trade deadline, they acquired veteran Justin Turner and platooned Raley/Turner at first until the end of the year.
As of Thursday, January 2nd, the Mariners have yet to make a noteworthy signing or trade.
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