My Christmas wishlist for the Seattle Mariners
Many potential offseason additions have slipped away, but plenty of options still remain for Seattle. What could the Mariners have left in their gift bag?
While many Mariners fans have been concerned about the team’s lack of additions this offseason, they have given us plenty to be grateful for this Christmas season. From snapping the drought, extending Julio Rodríguez, and acquiring Luis Castillo, the Mariners have done plenty to make us excited for next season.
They likely aren’t done, as we can still expect more additions to this roster. There are still a few obvious questions that need to be answered this offseason, and we still need to have faith in Jerry Dipoto and this front office to fill them. Thank you to everyone who has supported my work this year and this offseason, there is certainly more to come!
Here are my three Christmas wishes for the Seattle Mariners this offseason.
3. Trade Chris Flexen for MLB help
Chris Flexen is a valuable trade chip, even if Seattle hasn’t pulled the trigger yet. There are still mid-rotation arms available on the free-agent market, and I expect Seattle to capitalize here.
The starting pitching market has been extremely expensive this offseason, and once the musical chairs stop several teams will be left without a seat. Nathan Eovaldi and Corey Kluber are notable dominos, and once they fall I expect Seattle to pull the trigger on a deal.
Marco Gonzales and Chris Flexen could both have value this offseason, and I expect one or both to be traded. They could opt to try to keep both players if they can’t materially upgrade from them, as both players are valuable insurance policies for a team that experienced almost no injuries to its rotation last season.
A trade to Kansas City, Baltimore, Colorado, Minnesota, or the Dodgers makes sense for Flexen. All of these teams are in need of quality MLB starting pitching or could use depth for the protection of current assets. The Red Sox are another team to watch for Flexen.
Seattle may be able to get a reliever or an interesting piece in return, so I expect them to pull the trigger once the market develops further.
2. Add a back-end bullpen arm
Earlier this offseason I mentioned Seattle’s desperate need for an addition to the back end of this bullpen. In both of the last two seasons, the Mariners have run their relievers into the ground, especially guys like Paul Sewald and Andrés Muñoz.
Jerry Dipoto has been excellent at building bullpens, so I will always tend to trust him. However, it is undeniable that Seattle has leaned too heavily on their back-end relievers the last two seasons, and having a player that could push Paul Sewald and Matt Brash for late innings would be a huge boost.
So what are some names that could end up in our stockings? Joe Jimenez was my favorite target, but Atlanta scooped him up earlier this offseason. Daniel Bard is a name I like because Colorado has little to no use for him.
Scott Barlow in Kansas City is a slider-heavy option that could be on the move, and also has multiple years of club control. Daniel Bednar in Pittsburgh is a very expensive option, but an option nonetheless. Tanner Scott is also an interesting option from the left side.
Ultimately I think Seattle may stand pat, as they seem to believe guys like Isaiah Campbell and Prelander Berroa can be big additions next season. I could also see Matt Festa taking a huge jump next season, as his Baseball Savant page suggests.
1. Reveal the impact bat/left field plan
It is no secret the Mariners need to add an impact bat this offseason. This will likely come in the form of a corner infielder or a corner outfielder, but we have yet to find out.
My guess is Seattle will look to add an impact corner outfielder first but could turn to an impact corner infielder if they fail to get what they want. A player like Tyler O’Neill or Bryan Reynolds is at the top of my wish list, which would likely mean parting with Jarred Kelenic. Mark Canha and Randy Arozarena are other names I like.
If they cannot get a deal done for one of these players I would expect Seattle to pivot to Jarred Kelenic/a right-handed bat for a platoon. Seattle is unlikely to move Kelenic unless the deal returns an impact outfielder.
If O’Neill and Reynolds cannot be acquired they could try to pull Anthony Santander in a deal with Baltimore. He would platoon nicely with Jarred Kelenic and could also be an everyday player if needed.
An infield option could also be in play, and a few impact options are out there for Seattle to trade for. Mark Canha and Eduardo Escobar are expendable in New York, especially if the Mets sign Carlos Correa.
Another interesting name that would provide a ton of impact is Yandy Diaz in Tampa Bay. He can play both corner infield spots and is a high-impact bat, and Jerry Dipoto has familiarity trading with Tampa.
Overall we have to believe Seattle is looking for another impact bat, and we can hope it ends up in our stocking tomorrow morning.