Seattle Mariners Free Agency Preview: Second Base

On the surface, the Mariners don’t seem to have much of a need for a second baseman. However, with the flexibility of Dee Gordon and Robinson Cano, it may behoove the Mariners to look for an offensive upgrade.

Truth be told, the Mariners have 3 of the best 2B in baseball: Cano, Gordon, and Jean Segura. However, there may be room to add another. With Jean Segura proving he can play a solid shortstop, and Cano and Gordon being able to play first and CF respectfully well, there could be an opportunity to add a good bat to your order in the middle of the diamond.

The second base free agent group is a pretty solid set of players. Perhaps the biggest name belongs to Brian Dozier. The former Minnesota Twin and current Los Angeles Dodgers 2B has really hurt his value with a subpar 2018 which saw him hit .218/.307/.391 in 612 PA (so far).

The 31-year-old still has the plus power for the position but his home run production went down sharply. In 2016 he hit 42 HR and hit 34 HR in 2017. He has only hit 20 thus far in 2018. The Mariners would have to decide if 2018 is just a down year or a sign of things to come.

Another familiar name for Mariners fans is Jed Lowrie. The Oakland A’s 2B has worn out Seattle the past 2 years, and the Mariners now have the opportunity to snag him away from the division rival.

Lowrie improved on what many assumed was his career year in 2018. He has hit .268/.353/.450 with 21 home runs and 96 RBI. He also has 85 doubles in 2017-2018. The veteran will be 35-years-old in April. He plays a solid 2B and has even logged some innings at 3B in 2018.

DJ LaMahieu is an interesting option as well. The 30-year-old has spent his entire career in Colorado and offers the control the zone type Dipoto has claimed to target above all else. LaMahieu is a good defender who puts the ball in play and has some pop, making him an intriguing top-of-the-order option in 2019.

Also available are a few veterans most fans are familiar with. Ian Kinsler, Logan Forsythe, Asdrubal Cabrera, and Daniel Murphy will all be available.

Marwin Gonzalez is an interesting option. He isn’t an everyday 2B, but has experience there and is one of the best utility men in the game. He is probably a better fit in LF but is capable of handling second on a regular basis.

It seems unlikely that the Mariners will dive too deep into the second base pool. However, if an offensive upgrade can be found over Dee Gordon, moving Cano to first and Gordon to CF could clear a lineup spot for another quality AB. Lengthening the lineup is a worthy goal and worth talking to one of these players if they find a fit.