Seattle Mariners surprisingly targeting outfielders after lockout

The Seattle Mariners are seemingly set in the outfield. With Mitch Haniger, Kyle Lewis, Jarred Kelenic, and the eventual arrival of Julio Rodriguez, the outfield would not appear to be a serious need. That is particularly the case considering the Mariners’ needs on their pitching staff and at third base.

This does not mean that Seattle is going to ignore the outfield. According to former general manager Jim Bowden, the Mariners are going to be one of the multitude of teams that target the likes of Kris Bryant, Nick Castellanos, Michael Conforto, and Seiya Suzuki.

Seattle Mariners expected to be heavily involved in outfield mix

To be fair, virtually every team that has money to spend and a need in the outfield will be interested in those players. Bowden is not exactly breaking news there. This also confirms the Mariners’ previously reported interest in Suzuki.

Bryant, in particular, makes a great deal of sense in Seattle. Although he has spent a great deal of time in left, he is primarily a third baseman, an area of need. He would be the power bat they are looking for at the hot corner, adding another element to their lineup while continuing to improve the athleticism of the roster.

It also makes sense that the Mariners would want some stability in the outfield. Haniger is a free agent after this season. Kelenic has not exactly lived up to his billing. Lewis has had some injury concerns and Rodriguez has not appeared in the majors yet. Having someone that is more of a proven commodity could make a difference.

But there is also a matter of the rest of the roster. Having five starting caliber outfielders is a great problem to have, but the Mariners have too many holes to afford that type of luxury. While it makes sense to do their due diligence when it comes to Castellanos and Conforto, Bryant and/or Suzuki make more sense based on their current roster construction.

The Seattle Mariners are expected to be heavily involved with the top free agent outfielders. However, they have other more pressing needs.