Seattle Mariners Interested in Nate McLouth

Baltimore Orioles free agent outfielder Nate McLouth is viewed as a likely candidate to re-sign with the team, because both sides want to get a deal done have been optimistic about getting a deal done. However, talks have slowed between both sides, and this has created an opportunity for other teams to show more interest and try and get involved in signing the 31-year-old OF.

William Perlman/THE STAR-LEDGER via USA TODAY Sports

The Seattle Mariners have expressed interested in signing McLouth, per Fox Sports MLB insider extraordinaire Jon Paul Morosi. It’s interesting to hear that the M’s have interest in signing McLouth, because I don’t see him as an ideal fit for this team especially given McLouth’s inconsistent play over the past three seasons.

2012 was the best year of the three for the former Pittsburgh Pirates star, but he was still worth under 1 WAR (0.8). He did do an excellent job during the end of the season for the Orioles, but I feel like he’s riding high on a strong postseason appearance that carries far more weight than it should. McLouth had an OBP of .314, and his best option at this point is to re-sign with the Orioles.

To be honest, the Mariners need to be investing their time and money with an outfielder who can play at a high-level of around 4 WAR or so, or even at least about a 3 WAR level. McLouth is a subpar player, and the only team that has a legitimate hand in signing him is Baltimore at this point in time.

You can follow Joe Soriano on Twitter @SorianoJoe.