Mariners’ Options for Kyle Seager in 2022 Offseason

If the Mariners are interested in moving on from Seager after this season, it’s almost certain they will be active in free agency to attempt to find a replacement for his production.

Although there aren’t many third-basemen hitting the market this offseason, there are several infielders the Mariners may want to keep tabs on. With Abraham Toro‘s history as a third-baseman in Houston, Seattle has some nice flexibility when considering their strategy this offseason, as the athletic Toro could easily switch from second base to third base, or potentially the outfield, to open up a spot for a marquee free agent.

There are several free-agent infielders to keep an eye on this offseason, but here are a few names that could be of key interest to the Mariners:

Javier Baez – SS/2B, New York Mets, (.241, 24 HR, 69 RBI)

Kris Bryant – 3B/OF, San Francisco Giants (.268, 22 HR, 61 RBI)

Corey Seager – SS, Los Angeles Dodgers (.277, 6 HR, 31 RBI) *missed time due to injury

Marcus Semien – 2B, Toronto Blue Jays (.268, 30 HR, 73 RBI)

Out of any of these stars, I would implore the Mariners to seriously consider making a push towards signing Corey Seager. Corey, Kyle’s younger brother, checks all of the boxes the Mariners would be looking for in a free agent addition: a left-handed bat capable of hitting for contact and power at the top or middle of the lineup, excellent defensive play, postseason experience (including a World Series MVP), and the ability to contribute in the short and long-term.

With shortstop Trea Turner headed to Los Angeles at the trade deadline this year and under team control for one more season, the Dodgers may be willing to let Corey Seager test the waters of free agency this winter. If the Mariners pounce on the opportunity, they may have their answer for a long-term left-handed bat to balance out the likes of right-handed studs Ty France, Kyle Lewis, Julio Rodriguez, and Noelvi Marte.

Potential motives for Seager to come to Seattle? He would be given the reigns at second base (potentially lengthening his career longevity), would achieve immediate superstardom as the obvious best (and highest paid) player on the Mariners, and, if all goes to plan, could convince his power-hitting older brother to stick around for another few years.

So, there have you it – my hope this offseason is for Seattle to bring in a bona fide star in Corey Seager and transition him to second base, sign back Kyle Seager on a two-year deal and let him continue holding down the hot corner, and move young stud, Abraham Toro, out to left field/into a utility role, where his speed, athleticism, and strong arm may serve him best.