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3 players for Seattle Mariners to target this offseason

By David Hill |
Oct 15, 2022; San Diego, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Trea Turner (6) hits a double in the third inning against the San Diego Padres during game four of the NLDS for the 2022 MLB Playoffs at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2022; San Diego, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Trea Turner (6) hits a double in the third inning against the San Diego Padres during game four of the NLDS for the 2022 MLB Playoffs at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
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The long wait is finally over for the Seattle Mariners.

For the first time since 2001, they finally reached the playoffs. But just getting there was not enough; the Mariners also surprised everyone by defeating the Blue Jays in the Wild Card Round. While they were swept by the Astros, it was a far more competitive series than one would have expected, showing that the Mariners are closer than one would think.

Three players for Seattle Mariners to target this offseason

For all of their success, and the optimism surrounding the Mariners heading into the offseason, there are plenty of holes on the roster. They need to find a middle infielder, another run producer, an outfielder, and possibly another option in the rotation, and there is plenty of work to be done. However, with Jerry Dipoto as the general manager, moves are going to be made.

The Seattle Mariners are not content with having ended their postseason drought. Let’s look at three possible targets as they look to take the next step.

Trea Turner

For the second consecutive offseason, the Seattle Mariners are looking to shore up the middle of their infield.

Last year, this led to Adam Frazier finally coming to Seattle. That marriage did not turn out as either side hoped for, with Frazier set to depart in free agency and the Mariners again looking for help at second. And, once again, they are looking for a shortstop that could switch positions given the presence of J.P. Crawford.

This time, Dipoto is not as adamant that Crawford will not move from short. While that is not their preference, the Mariners could slide him over to second if need be. While such a thought could be a matter of semantics in his wording, the door is open, especially if they can add another dymanic piece to their roster.

Trea Turner would be exactly the type of player that the Mariners should be looking at. He can play either second or short while continuing Dipoto’s quest to make the roster more athletic. His blend of power and speed would work perfectly in a lineup that already features Julio Rodriguez, giving Seattle another all around star that can cause plenty of havoc. If Turner wants to stay at short, then it should be an easy decision to move Crawford over.

The Seattle Mariners are looking for another piece in the middle of their infield. Trea Turner would be a perfect fit for them going forward.

Mandatory Credit: Mandi Wright-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Mandi Wright-USA TODAY Sports /

Masataka Yoshida

The Seattle Mariners have been one of the top landing spots for Japanese talent over the years. Ever since Ichiro ended up in Seattle and blossomed into stardom, plenty of other Japanese players have followed in his footsteps.

It is not a surprise that the Mariners would look to keep that pipeline open considering the success they have had. Likewise, it is not a surprise that the Mariners would look to improve their lineup with another Japanese player in Masataka Yoshida.

Indeed, the Mariners have reportedly been scouting Yoshida, and, according to Jon Morosi, will be one of his top suitors. As the Mariners came up short against the Astros in part because of an inability to get runners on base and string at bats together, landing an on base dynamo could make a difference. And the Mariners do need help in their corner outfield spots.

But it is fair to wonder if Yoshida can be an answer in the outfield. Frankly, he is not even close to a good defensive option as he is tentative when in the outfield, is strictly limited to left, and is best served as a designated hitter. Unless the Mariners feel that his defensive woes can be fixed through coaching and getting additional reps in the outfield, he might not be the answer when it comes to finding that corner outfielder.

The Seattle Mariners need players that can get on base and keep a rally going. Masataka Yoshida would be a perfect fit.

Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports /

Andrew Chafin

The Seattle Mariners had a great deal of success with their relief corps, but adding proven options given the fungible nature of relievers never hurts.

Even if the Mariners have confidence that their relievers can replicate that success next year, there is still a major void in the bullpen. According to their depth chart on MLB.com, the Mariners do not have a single left handed reliever. That lack of a lefty reliever proved to make a difference in the postseason when Robbie Ray had his offering crushed by Yordan Alvarez to give the Astros a walk-off victory in Game One of the ALDS.

Fortunately, there is an option that can make a difference in free agency. Andrew Chafin is arguably the best left handed reliever in the market, someone who has been adept at shutting down hitters on either side, using his ability to generate grounders and excellent command to perform better than his stuff would seemingly indicate.

Chafin is someone that would be of interest for a team looking to win now and over the next few years. He will turn 33 years old in the middle of the 2023 campaign, and given how volatile relievers can be, it is fair to wonder how long he can continue his dominance. However, he is not showing any signs of slowing down and could be that missing piece in Seattle.

The Seattle Mariners need to add more balance to their bullpen. Andrew Chafin would give them a desperately needed shutdown lefty.

Next. Top 25 free agents this offseason. dark

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