The MLB Winter Meetings Kick Off Today For The Seattle Mariners: Will Jon Lester Be A Factor?

‘Tis the season to track rumors, listen in on private conversations, and do your best to find out what gifts you are getting!

That’s right, it’s the MLB Winter Meetings. The Seattle Mariners have a lot going on this winter, and if tradition has anything to do with it, another big trade or big signing could be coming their way in the coming days.

Remember, it was just last season that the Mariners staged a coup and signed the best free agent on the market– superstar second baseman Robinson Cano— to one of the 10 biggest contracts in MLB history. Could the Mariners have a similarly eventful Winter Meeting in 2014?

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As of now I would say no. The M’s have most of the big pieces in place, and the most likely splash is a 4-year deal for switch-hitting outfielder Melky Cabrera or a trade for someone like Yoenis Cespedes or Matt Kemp. If the numbers from the TV deal are accurate, and the Mariners front office isn’t talking for the sake of talking, the M’s have more money to spend this offseason.

They could elect to go the bold route, signing Jon Lester or Max Scherzer while flipping either Taijuan Walker or James Paxton for Matt Kemp. Late last week it was reported that the Mariners had a deal in place for Kemp without including either Paxton or Walker, but when the Dodgers got a better feel of the market they asked for more.

If the M’s decided to trade for Kemp and his $107 million contract over the next five years, the Dodgers would need to eat some of that salary. If Taijuan Walker were in the deal, I think shaving $57 million would be within the realm of possibility. The Mariners would only be paying Matt Kemp $10 million per season for 5 seasons, giving them that extra cash to go out and sign someone like Lester or Scherzer.

GM Jack Zduriencik needs to be creative at these meetings. Most fans, and many analysts, thinks the M’s can compete right now with the team they have. But to win a World Championship? They still need a few more pieces.

Look for the Mariners to be rumored in many deals at these Winter Meetings, but remember to take them with a grain of salt. The front office seems set in keeping their young, home grown talent (look at Kyle Seager).

Don’t be surprised if the Mariners make some important moves at the Winter Meetings. But don’t forget, if the M’s expect to win a championship in 2015, they’ll need to keep some trade chips for the trade deadline too.

For all the rumors, signings, trades, and fun at the Winter Meetings, join us here at Sodo Mojo for the news, analysis, and opinions on the moves.

Go Mariners!