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Seattle Mariners: Pursuing SP Alex Wood in Free Agency

By Christopher O'Day

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 11: Alex Wood #57 of the San Francisco Giants pitches during the first inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers in game 3 of the National League Division Series at Dodger Stadium on October 11, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 11: Alex Wood #57 of the San Francisco Giants pitches during the first inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers in game 3 of the National League Division Series at Dodger Stadium on October 11, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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When you take a look at the Mariners starting pitching outlook for 2022, it can get confusing. We all know that Flexen, Marco, and Logan Gilbert are gonna be there. Kikuchi could be depending on his player option and a potential spot in the bullpen. Then, there is Dunn and Sheffield. There’s also the full boat of minor leaguers chomping at the bit. It’s why I could see the team looking to an under-the-radar guy like Alex Wood.

Here’s the thought process behind it. If we are gonna let these young guys actually mature before pushing them into the majors, then we are going to need a semi-proven guy who can fill a starter spot for a couple of years.

Alex Wood could be a great buffer signing for the Mariners

If they were to offer Alex Wood a 2-$24 million deal, even a little more, I think it would be a good signing. Is it more than he is worth? It could be, but I don’t think so. I’ve been big on Alex Wood ever since he was in Atlanta. To be honest though, if I wasn’t a Mariners fan, I would root for the Braves.

He had a rough go in a very short 2019 and 2020, but otherwise has been a great pitcher. Shoot, he should’ve been even better if you look at his FIP. His ERA/FIP is 3.50/3.51 for his career, and that is WITH the 48.1 innings those two years with an ERA/FIP of 5.96/6.02.

Wood is one of those pitchers who flies under the radar for some reason. Why isn’t he talked about more? He’s gonna give you 5-6 innings, around a strikeout per inning, and a good WHIP (1.225 career). That ERA is about 3.37 outside of the two shortened seasons. If you’re telling me I can get a guy who is gonna give me around 150-160 innings, a low-to-mid 3 ERA, about 9/9 on Ks, and keep the ball in the park (0.9 HR/9) then sign me up, and do it now.

There is so much to like about Wood, and he would provide another veteran presence in the locker room, and more importantly, a postseason presence to the team. Yes, a lot of his postseason work has been short, as he was the backend starter on those teams and moved to relief instead. However, he was great while doing it, and has posted a 3.11 ERA through 37.2 innings.

Next. Mariners: Marcus Stroman would be a Great Fit in Free Agency. dark

If the Mariners miss out on an Ace, or decide to sign a second pitcher as well, then Alex Wood would be a fantastic choice, and the guy I would want them to go after. Even if it turns into a three-year deal, I’m good with it. The Mariners could sign him to a 3-50… and I would be totally okay with it.

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