Mariners Free Agency: What is going to happen first?

Okay. A new CBA has been agreed upon, and we are calmed down. Well, only a little bit. I don’t think that I have ever typed as fast as I did trying to finish up the Mariners rejoice article. There is something to think about though. What are the Mariners going to do first? What do they still need to do? Also, more important from the fan perspective… what do you WANT them to do?

Here are some things the Mariners need to address as soon as possible

The Mariners had one of the worst offenses in all of baseball in 2021. If not for Ty France, there was a shot that the Mariners could’ve finished with one of the worst offenses of all time, at least from a batting average standpoint.

They’ve already gone out and obtained Adam Frazier via trade when they sent Corey Rosier and Ray Kerr to the Padres. Kyle Seager is gone though, and whether or not we can agree on the added or reduced value in replacing him, there is one thing for certain.

The Mariners need to get AT LEAST one more bat.

If they can go out and make one of the big-time/splashy signings a.k.a. Kris Bryant, Trevor Story, or Seiya Suzuki, then there are going to be in a good place. It could settle them in around that 10th best offense in all of baseball. With the two additions and added experience within the lineup, they would be in a borderline great place.

However, adding two bats is needed. We saw that last year. There were just too many holes within the lineup, and too many guys who couldn’t perform either consistently or when it mattered. They were good guys to have on the bench as fill-ins or pinch hitters. They weren’t guys that you necessarily want playing 100 games a year.

It’s what they need to do right away. Be aggressive in going out and getting Bryant or one of the hitters. Even two. It sounds like there is a decent chance that it happens, but being told something and actually seeing something are two totally different things. You know, like what the owners say and what they actually do in labor negotiations.

They are still gonna need a pitcher, preferably short-term or high end

The Mariners do not need to go out and grab a lowly number 4/5 with a few years left on his deal. With Ray at the top and Marco/Flexen/Gilbert behind him, they have a great four-man rotation right now. If they can go out and grab a strong #2 (or even a #1 somehow), then they should jump at the opportunity if the price is decent.

Otherwise, they should look for a one-year guy. Someone to hold down the spot until one of the prospects is ready, be it Brash/Willamson/Stoudt/Hancock/Kirby or someone else entirely.

Even if it’s getting Tyler Anderson back on a one-year deal, that wouldn’t be awful. His overall numbers didn’t look great with the Mariners, but that was due to the weird blowup at the end of the year. He was doing everything he could to help the team and pushed himself too far. He’d actually be a decent enough get for the back end.

Make a move with the bullpen

The Mariners had a great bullpen. They could get even better though, and signing one of the top options would be an amazing get. The Mariners have cap space and sounds like they are going to spend a good amount of it. Remember, the Mariners have actually spent a good amount of money in the past. Don’t be fooled by the last few years, as those were rebuilding ones, and it was handled very well by Dipoto.

Going out and getting a lefty or one of the available righties (I understand that could’ve been phrased as “anyone”) would show two different strategies. Either taking the best available or adding variety if they went for one of the lefties.

The Mariners are in a great position, and it honestly feels like one of the most optimistic offseasons in a long time. Things are looking up in Seattle, and if they can hit the mark on some of these big needs, the Mariners aren’t just going to push for the playoffs… they are going to be a true contender.