Fixing the post-Jack Zduriencik Seattle Mariners

Mar 17, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners infielder

against the Chicago White Sox at Camelback Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

First Base

The new general manager’s first task will be determining what the ultimate solution for Seattle will be at first base. The club has promising prospects D.J. Peterson and Patrick Kivlehan knocking on the door to the big leagues, and both will more than likely make their Seattle debuts in 2016. Both could prove to be long-term fixes, though the new general manager will have to decide if one of the two can make an impact soon enough that pursuing a first baseman is unnecessary.

The Mariners have lacked a legitimate power threat at first base for years and it has played a key part in keeping them from taking the next step year after year. Part of the struggle is likely that playing in Safeco Field is a tough sell when trying to attract power hitters. But if that is the case, an option for Seattle could be going the route of the Padres and finding a quality on-base type first baseman whose game doesn’t get seriously effected by any given ballpark.

If that is the route they take, Seattle could elect to go after Colorado’s Justin Morneau either on the open market (if his 2016 option is declined) or via trade from the Rockies. He’ll be 35 entering 2016, but that could also position the Mariners to land the former MVP on a shorter-term deal as a stopgap option while Peterson and Kivlehan get more time in the minor leagues.

Another alternative could be pursuing Korean first baseman Byung-ho Park, who is in the midst of another offense tear in the KBO this year. His price tag figures to check in significantly lower than that of free agent slugger Chris Davis, and making Park a priority could allow the Mariners to swoop in while other clubs focus on the Davis’s, Price’s and Cueto’s of this winter’s free agent class.

Next: Marte and...?