Mariners Free Agency: Options for a one-year Starting Pitcher

Mariners Target #1: Carlos Rodon

“Rodon? The Mariners already signed Ray. Why would they get Rodon too?”

Why? Because he is one of the top options out there, and the White Sox didn’t give him a qualifying offer. Guess what? If the Mariners sign him to a one-year deal, somewhere around $25 million, they could assign him the QO after 2022, earning a draft pick from someone if he signs with them.

There is definitely risk associated with Rodon. He’s got a history of shoulder problems and has just one season over 140 innings. It’s why a one-year deal for a large chunk of cash would be an interesting proposition. Of course, there is a big IF attached, but if he stays healthy, you have the potential for one of the top rotations in baseball with him and Robbie Ray at the top. Marco-Gilbert-Flexen as your 3-4-5 means you are in a pretty darn good spot.

He still managed 132 innings in 2021, and the team was keeping a pretty watchful eye on how much he threw. Between extended rest, skipped starts, and short outings, they did a good job of keeping him healthy while limiting innings. In a way, it’s a good sign that he’s built up some arm strength and could be ready for 160-180 innings in 2022.

The more I think about it, the more I want something like this to happen. Going after one of the two big-time hitters the Mariners have been rumored to be in contact with (Story and Bryant) is still my number one want, but Rodon could possibly be number two on that list. The potential ceiling for this team with Rodon added into the mix makes for a giddiness that’s hard to explain.

It really does seem like Dipoto is serious about spending more money (well, being told he can and then actually being allowed to), so seeing a big-time hitter and another pitcher signed would be amazing… and might be plausible as well. Adding Rodon would definitely spike the team’s 2022 salary, but it would instantly fault the Mariners into not just a playoff contender, but dare I say a World Series contender to start the season.

What do you think? Should the Mariners go after any of these players as a one-year fill-in until one of the prospects can take over? Let us know what you think.