Seattle Mariners: 5 Free Agent Relief Pitching Targets

For every positional group Jerry Dipoto has traded from this offseason, he’s addressed the holes he initially opened. That has not been the case for the Mariners’ bullpen, which has seen the departures of five key relievers.

Of course, bullpen is usually not at the top of the list in a rebuilding year for any general manager. But the Mariners will look to field a competitive 25-man roster come late March, and there are roughly only a handful of pitchers you could realistically pencil into their bullpen as of now.

Edwin Díaz‘s departure was the biggest hit Seattle’s bullpen took this offseason, following a historic 57-save season. That’s left a large crater in the Mariners’ closer role, one that Jerry Dipoto has claimed he will fill externally.

It’d be best to temper expectations when thinking about the M’s targeting a closer, though. Their hunt won’t lead them to Craig Kimbrel or Cody Allen, but perhaps to someone that can build decent enough trade value over the next year or two.

The search may not stop there, however, as the Mariners are lacking in terms of depth and are in a great position to take a flyer or two.

Relievers are the biggest crapshoot in baseball, but Seattle has proven to be capable of successfully putting together a respectable bullpen over the years.