The Seattle Mariners Offseason Plan: A Collaborative Approach

Veteran third baseman Kyle Seager is likely headed out of Seattle; who will be his replacement?

Ben:  Abraham Toro was a much scrutinized acquisition for Seattle at this year’s trade deadline, but he silenced a lot of those critics by tearing up the American League in August, before faltering in September. Allowing him to slide over to his natural position of third base fills a hole for the Mariners, and allows Toro to show what he can do in a full-time role. Although Toro is probably best suited as a Marwin Gonzalez-type utility player, I see him beginning 2021 at the hot corner.

Connor:  Abraham Toro didn’t appear overly comfortable at second this season, and baseball is all about being comfortable. So, I’d like to see the young Toro switch back to his original position of third base, while working with infield guru Perry Hill to hone in his craft before the season.

The next few seasons will be something of an audition for Toro, as top prospect Noelvi Marte is waiting in the wings to take over at third by at least 2024. I expect Toro to hit somewhere in the 6-9 range of the order next season, and he should see better pitches than he did in the 5-spot last season, giving him more opportunity to succeed.

Derek:  When the Mariners traded for Abraham Toro, my initial assumption was that he was the heir-apparent to Kyle Seager at 3B. My ideal scenario here would be the Mariners move Abraham Toro back to his natural position, and he produces like he did during the first month after joining the team. This would change if they made a big acquisition through trade or free agency, but if Toro could give the Mariners anything close to the .832 OPS he posted in June, that money might be better allocated elsewhere.

Max:  Alec Bohm, a potential trade acquisition from the Philadelphia Phillies, is a young infielder with immense potential. Though he has struggled so far in his career both at the plate and in the field, Bohm has the minor league numbers and pedigree to warrant time to develop in a new home. He may not be a guarantee, but at some point you have to take a shot on upside.