Seattle Mariners: Best Pitching Options for 2017
By Jason Reed
Tyson Ross
Excuse the pun, but Tyson Ross would be huge for the Seattle Mariners. The 6-foot-6 right-handed pitcher would slot in as a perfect complement to Felix Hernandez atop the rotation. Despite only throwing 5.1 innings in 2016, Ross can definitely contribute to any big league team, and the Mariners may be the most willing to take the risk. The 29-year-old is a former All-Star and has shown he can be fantastic at the big league level. After two great seasons in 2014-15, Ross cemented himself as a great young arm. The Mariners should take the risk with this one to potentially reap the benefits.
Ross would insert into the two slot in the rotation and complement King Felix perfectly. It may be risky considering both men battled injuries last year, but the ceiling for this duo would be spectacular. Ross would thrive learning from Hernandez, and as we’ve seen before pitchers pitch better when surrounded by greatness, plain and simple. Although it is a trivial, the idea that Ross will be a better pitcher by just pitching with King Felix isn’t at all out of the question.
The one thing the Mariners should avoid is overpaying for Ross. He is perhaps the best remaining option in the free agent pool, and a signing is always much easier than a trade. With powerhouses like the Cubs reportedly interested in Ross, the Mariners may jump the gun and overpay. If the Mariners can find a reasonable price for the six-and-a-half footer, it would be a win-win for both sides of the deal.