My list to Santa: 5 unrealistic signings as a Seattle Mariners fan

Seattle Mariners wish list – No. 3: Brad Hand

If we’re asking for a star catcher and starting pitcher, we might as well ask for a closer too. Brad Hand is one of the better relief pitchers on the free-agent market and would suit the Mariners very nicely.

It is no secret that Jerry Dipoto is attempting to bolster the bullpen. But he isn’t signing the cream of the crop because of the current situation the Mariners are in. That being said, Brad Hand is unlikely to join the Seattle side because he is one of the better relievers on the market, but he would be the ideal type of guy next offseason.

Why does Brad Hand make so much sense? Jake Mitton (Sodo Mojo Contributor) made a very good point: Seattle needs more left-handed relievers. The recent additions of Rafael Montero and Keynan Middleton are great low-cost additions, but they are both right-handed.

Hand is a three-time All-Star with solid performances with the Padres and Indians. He has been working mostly as a closer since 2017 and has been great. He is not going to be saving 50+ games like K-Rod, but he is very consistent when called upon.

I would actually consider the chances of signing Hand higher than Realmuto and Bauer, but still pretty low. There will be plenty of other win-now teams that are willing to pay a higher price tag for Hand than the Seattle Mariners. Jerry Dipoto will be seeking other bargain relievers like Montero and Middleton this offseason.

Still, Hand is one of my favorite relievers on the market so I am asking Santa Claus to give it a chance. Now stepping into the batter’s box, a quality DH…