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Seattle Mariners Arbitration Candidates: Deal or No Deal

By Christopher O'Day

TORONTO, ON - MAY 8: James Paxton #65 of the Seattle Mariners is celebrates after throwing a no-hitter during MLB game action against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on May 8, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - MAY 8: James Paxton #65 of the Seattle Mariners is celebrates after throwing a no-hitter during MLB game action against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on May 8, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /
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Alex Colome: $7.3 Million – DEAL

SEATTLE, WA – MAY 28: Relief pitcher Alex Colome #48 of the Seattle Mariners reacts after pitching during the eighth inning of a game against the Texas Rangers at Safeco Field on May 28, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. The Mariners won the game 2-1. MLB players across the league are wearing special uniforms to commemorate Memorial Day. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA – MAY 28: Relief pitcher Alex Colome #48 of the Seattle Mariners reacts after pitching during the eighth inning of a game against the Texas Rangers at Safeco Field on May 28, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. The Mariners won the game 2-1. MLB players across the league are wearing special uniforms to commemorate Memorial Day. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images) /

This one isn’t that easy. Deciding to pay over $7 million for someone who isn’t your closer is always a tough pill to swallow. Relievers seem to vary the most from any position year to year. However, with Colome, he seems to be worth the money.

The Mariners should take Colome at $7.3 million, as he gives them a fantastic one-two punch in the bullpen with Edwin Diaz. Having two guys that you know you can count on is a big help, especially to a team that finds themselves in a lot of close games.

Another way to look at the amount that the Mariners will be paying Colome is to imagine what he would get on the open market. There is always a need for pitchers, especially ones that have proven the capability to close games. Colome did just that in 2016 and 2017, with 37 and a league-leading 47 saves, respectively.

Like Paxton, Colome finds himself heading into his age 30 seasons. He is still in his prime, even if he is on the back half of his window. Knowing that they will have another solid reliever on a team that has struggled with innings from their starters is a must for the Mariners. That’s why they say DEAL to Alex Colome.

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