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Seattle Mariners: 5 Under-the-Radar Free Agent Targets

By Ty Gonzalez

ANAHEIM, CA - JULY 10: Garrett Richards #43 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim pitches during the first inning of a game against the Seattle Mariners at Angel Stadium on July 10, 2018 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CA - JULY 10: Garrett Richards #43 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim pitches during the first inning of a game against the Seattle Mariners at Angel Stadium on July 10, 2018 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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DH EVAN GATTIS

HOUSTON, TX – SEPTEMBER 05: Evan Gattis #11 of the Houston Astros celebrates his two-run home run in the fourth inning against the Minnesota Twins with his teammates in the dugout at Minute Maid Park on September 5, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX – SEPTEMBER 05: Evan Gattis #11 of the Houston Astros celebrates his two-run home run in the fourth inning against the Minnesota Twins with his teammates in the dugout at Minute Maid Park on September 5, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

This one is contingent upon a couple things. One being that the Mariners move on from — or are unable to sign — Nelson Cruz, and the other being that Cruz winds up with the only other suitor that truly makes sense for him: the Houston Astros.

If this were to happen, then impending Astros free agent Evan Gattis will likely be on the hunt for a new home. Gattis is in a very similar situation as Cruz, having only played in the field twice in 2018 — both at catcher. That greatly limits his list of potential destinations, making the Mariners a relatively obvious choice if Cruz departs.

Gattis was red-hot in May and June, hitting for an impressive 140 wRC+ with 14 dingers and 46 RBI. After that, Gattis fell apart and it reflects greatly in his numbers from July to the end of the season. A slash line of .194/.251/.400 to wrap up the year has greatly diminished his role with the Astros going into the postseason, and his value on the free agent market will surely take a hit as well.

However, Gattis has historically been a great power presence in whichever lineup he’s been in. As a career .248/.300/.476 hitter, Gattis doesn’t really scream “consistency,” but he’d be a solid option to make up some of the power numbers that would be lost in the event that Cruz leaves.

Plus, who wouldn’t want that beard on their team?

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