Seattle Mariners Holiday Wishlist: 3 free agent options at second base

MIAMI, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 02: Jonathan Villar of the Toronto Blue Jays bats. The Seattle Mariners should target him. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 02: Jonathan Villar of the Toronto Blue Jays bats. The Seattle Mariners should target him. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
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Shed Long Jr. of the Seattle Mariners turns a double play.
ANAHEIM, CA – AUGUST 29: Shed Long Jr. of the Seattle Mariners turns a double play against the Angels. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)

The Seattle Mariners need an upgrade at second base for a multitude of reasons, here are three free-agent candidates that fit the offseason plan.

The Seattle Mariners currently have a hole at the second base position. Opening day starter Shed Long Jr. played through a shin injury the entire season, yielding a step backward in production based on his 2019 sample size. Dee Strange-Gordon is gone, and the Mariners would like better defensive value than Ty France provides at a key position.

The Seattle Mariners also needs more offensive production out of that position, period. Because of an injury to Dylan Moore, Servais was unable to platoon for Long as much as he would’ve liked against lefties. Shed Long ended up starting eight games against lefties in last season’s 60 game sprint, and in 35 plate appearances overall against lefties he only recorded two hits.

Dylan Moore will likely be penciled in much more often as an outfielder in 2021, as he displayed the ability to be one of the better defensive outfielders in baseball in 2020. Moore’s +4 DRS checked in as top-20 in all outfielders, and his overall UZR of +3.7 has him rated as a top-ten defensive outfielder in all of baseball. His value belongs in the outfield next season.

The Seattle Mariners could also look into free agent DJ LeMahieu who would be a great fit, but it is not as realistic due to his market value. LeMahieu is an elite free agent this offseason, so the Mariners might need to look at more affordable options. Here are three free agent targets that the Mariners should consider to fill their hole at second base.

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