Ranking Remaining Third Base Options for Mariners

Trading for Matt Chapman

The last option here for the Mariners to acquire to play third base is trading for Matt Chapman. He is going into his age 29 season next year and has 2 years left of club control. The Mariners would be buying low on a player who has had great years in the past but has had problems with a hip injury and a down 2021 year offensively. He did still hit for good power, but he only had a batting average of .210. He still was able to produce a 3.4 WAR season.

The Mariners should not trade a lot for a player who could be an average at best offensive third baseman who plays exceptional defense. The Mariners should keep their trade offers in check going after Chapman. Here is a link to some potential offers for the A’s third baseman. The Mariners should not part with more than one of their second tier of prospects, those below Julio Rodriguez, Noelvi Marte, and George Kirby.

The fit for Chapman would be another easy and pure fit. Chapman is a third baseman and only a third baseman. The defense that he would play next to J.P. Crawford would be a sight to see. He would have zero question marks about his glove. The questions come from his bat. He needs to be a much better offensive player in 2022 if the Mariners are going to rely on him to make the playoffs. The Mariners would have to be sure they can fix his 2021 struggles.

The Mariners have plenty of options for replacing Kyle Seager at third base for the 2022 season and beyond. These four options here represent the highest potential for the Mariners at third base. President of Baseball Operations Jerry Dipoto has shown a willingness to off the beaten path to get production and players, so there might always be the possibility to get a player not listed here. However, these players are all a massive upgrade for the Mariners at the hot corner.