The Mariners should offer Kyle Seager to the Dodgers

The Los Angeles Dodgers just won the Trevor Bauer sweepstakes and are looking like the favorites to win the World Series again. But, they could still use a third baseman to solidify its infield. That’s where the Mariners come in and offer up Kyle Seager.

As you might have noticed, we have written several articles on Kyle Seager this offseason. He isn’t the same player he was five years ago, but he still can make an impact for teams in contention.

The Dodgers third base situation

Dodgers fans are expecting the team to re-sign free agent Justin Turner, but he is drawing a lot of interest from other teams. There is no doubt that the Dodgers like Turner, but if he were to return, I don’t think it should take this long.

If they don’t bring back Turner, my guess is that Los Angeles will not replace him internally. At the moment, their depth chart shows Edwin Rios at the top, followed by Max Muncy and Matt Beaty.

I don’t think Edwin Rios is bad, but I don’t think he is great. Rios is just 26-years-old and only has two seasons under his belt. He has hit pretty well though: .260/.338/.634.

But, his defense is questionable. At third base, he owns a .923 fielding percentage and -1 defensive runs saved. With his limited playtime, it is better to look at his defensive runs saved in a year, which equals -7.

Unless he can make some big strides in Spring Training, he will be a liability at third base.

After Rios, you have Max Muncy. What I know is that he will be in the lineup no matter what. But, his defensive versatility is useful to Dave Roberts. He has played second, first, and some third.

Similar to Rios, Muncy isn’t the most surehanded over at the hot corner. Over five seasons at third, he owns a .918 fielding percentage. But his defensive runs saved per year equals 6.

Lastly, you have Matt Beaty as the third option, who isn’t that impactful outside of his defensive versatility.

So, it is pretty clear that the Dodgers could use a new starting third baseman. That way, they can use Rios as a DH or pinch hitter, and keep Muncy at first base.

Kyle Seager to the Dodgers

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Yes, Kyle Seager is one of the most beloved Mariners players ever. But, his value continues to decrease and if the Mariners want to get value for Seager, now is the time.

Not only could the Mariners get a decent return, but it also opens up room for the young Seattle roster. It is almost like the Mariners have too much depth and we cannot guess who is going to play where.

If Seager is shipped off to LA, it allows Dylan Moore or Ty France to take his spot. That would then open up flexibility at second base, which would then open up room for a designated hitter. (Hint hint: Jarred Kelenic)

For the Dodgers, it makes a lot of sense to acquire Seager. Kyle has plateaued a little bit, but he has still produced. In 2020, he did a fine job of driving in batters and even posted a 1.4 offensive WAR.

The Dodgers don’t need a superstar, so what Seager did in 2020 is plenty. If Seager has an All-Star season like in 2014, which he could, that would just be a bonus for LA.

It might be a turnoff that Seager posted a -5 defensive runs saved last season, but his history of being a great fielder can’t be overlooked I would much rather have Seager at third over Muncy or Rios, and I am sure Dodgers fans feel the same way.

Also, why not put Kyle and Corey on the same side of the infield? That would be cool, and a great marketing tool (not like the Dodgers need anymore but…)

Plus, as a Mariners fan, I would like to see Kyle Seager competing for a ring. Even if it’s not with Seattle, I want Seager to be happy.