Mariners Free Agency: Seattle should avoid Carlos Correa at all costs

With the Mariners looking to add offense this off-season, there is one player they should stay away from in Carlos Correa. Given that he played for the 2017 Houston Astros, struggles to hit in T-Mobile Park, and disapproval from fans and some in the Mariners clubhouse, this decision should be easy.

For starters, Marco Gonzales had some choice words about the Astros stealing signs back in 2020 in an interview with Seattle Sports 710AM:

"“I’m mad at the way that they’ve acted throughout the time and the attitudes that they’ve had towards the game,” he said. “Thinking you’re above the game and thinking that it’s OK that you’re taking advantage of other guys, that’s not cool. That’s all I’m mad about.”"

Clearly, that was a shot at Carlos Correa and other Astros defending their actions from 2017. Gonzales is one of the leaders in the Mariners locker room and should have a say in whether Seattle signs Correa or not.

The Mariners should have nothing to do with signing Carlos Correa

Also, signing Correa could mess with the Mariners team chemistry, especially should Seattle have him replace JP Crawford at shortstop. Crawford has been the M’s shortstop since 2019, and if a former rival replaced him, it would likely not sit well with the clubhouse. Considering Mariners GM Justin Hollander said the goal of this off-season is to improve the offense without messing with the Mariners chemistry as a team, signing Correa makes no sense.

On top of the fact Correa would potentially upset Seattle’s mojo, he also is not good at hitting inside T-Mobile Park. In his 49 games played at T-Mobile Park, he has just 1 HR, along with a lackluster .673 OPS. Certainly not worth the risk of a big contract when half the season is played at home.

Another reason the Mariners should not sign Correa is the fans here cannot stand him. He has been booed relentlessly whenever he comes to Seattle post sign-stealing scandal. Why would the organization want to market a player their fans already do not like?

Finally, with so many other middle infield options in free agency such as Xander Bogaerts, Trea Turner, and Dansby Swanson, there is no need to sign Carlos Correa. The Mariners should have no problem finding the right solution at second base going forward while staying completely away from Correa.