Fixing the post-Jack Zduriencik Seattle Mariners

Aug 16, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Seattle Mariners shortstop

(4) during the fourth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

Outfield/Shortstop

Ketel Marte seems positioned to either be Seattle’s everyday center fielder or shortstop in 2016. An impressive minor-league track record and and equally as strong first stint in the big leagues have earned Marte a shot to prove himself, but should Franklin Gutierrez depart on the open market, that leaves Seattle with either a so-so Brad Miller at short or very limited options in center.

Prospect Ramon Flores represents arguably the best option to take over in 2016 if Marte does end up at shortstop, though he’ll likely need more time in the high-minors at the start of next season to show his .423 clip at AAA Tacoma wasn’t a total fluke.

With that being said, the free agent market seems like Seattle’s best bet to find a replacement at either center field or shortstop. If they elect to pursue a free agent, Denard Span would seem to be a perfect fit for the Mariners if they feel he can bounce back from an injury-riddled 2015 season. Despite his injuries, Span still showed the impact he can have on a contending club this season, as the Nationals were 36-24 with their starting center fielder in the lineup.

Span would provide Seattle with premium defense in spacious Safeco field, and would also give the Mariners a legitimate table setter at the top of the lineup to get on base in front of Cruz, Cano and Seager. While 2016 will be Span’s age-32 season, he still has more than enough in his legs to also be good for 15-20 stolen bases if Seattle elects to use him aggressively. Dexter Fowler could be another option for the Mariners if they opt to look for someone somewhat younger.

If Marte’s future is ultimately in center field, Seattle could then turn to another National, shortstop Ian Desmond. While the former All-Star will be coming off a down year, he’s turned things around to hit .291 in the second half and sits fifth amongst shortstops with 15 homers on the year. The Mariners reportedly discussed a deal with Washington that would’ve sent Desmond and Jordan Zimmermann to Seattle in exchange for Taijuan Walker and Brad Miller last offseason, though it’s unclear whether new management will have the same level of interest in the three-time Silver Slugger.

Colorado’s Jose Reyes, Milwaukee’s Jean Segura and Texas’ Elvis Andrus could all also potentially be available in trades this offseason if the Mariners elected to go that route, though the Rangers would likely be hesitant to move Andrus to a division rival. But there are certainly shortstops to be had and Seattle could desperately use some stability at the position heading into 2016 one way or the other.

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