Seattle Mariners in play for Seiya Suzuki

The Seattle Mariners have been considered a potential destination for virtually every player that has come over from Japan in recent years. Between their success with those players, and the large Japanese community in the Pacific Northwest, it is never a surprise when the Mariners are linked to players coming over from Nippon Professional Baseball.

That was not the case with Seiya Suzuki. The Mariner had been somewhat conspicuously absent from his list of landing spots. At least, that was the case until now.

Seattle Mariners now in on Seiya Suzuki

Suzuki has been linked to several franchises, with multiple teams suggested as the favorites to land his services. The Red Sox and Giants, in particular, have been noted as favorites for him, teams that would make sense based on potential needs.

The Mariners have that same potential need. While Kyle Lewis and Mitch Haniger should comprise two thirds of the outfield if healthy, left field has been a continued problem for Seattle for years. Jake Fraley is likely best suited as a fourth outfielder while the fact that Evan White is potentially being tasked with time in the outfield shows how desperate that search has been.

Suzuki can change that. He is not a proven commodity as other options would be, but he would likely be less expensive, which would help the Mariners as they look to fill other holes on the roster. Given his track record as a power bat in Japan, he could make a major impact on Seattle’s lineup.

It would not be much of a shock if he did choose to head to the Mariners. He would be able to follow in the footsteps of other great Japanese players, such as Ichiro and Kenji Johjima. And, with Ichiro remaining a part of the franchise even in his retirement, he could get to learn from a player that is revered in his homeland.

The Seattle Mariners are making their bid to land Seiya Suzuki. The only surprise is that they were not amongst the favorites earlier in the offseason.