3 top 2024 playoff performers Mariners can target in free agency

With many of the big names still actively playing, serious free agent talks won't begin until five days after the conclusion of the World Series. That leaves Seattle Mariners fans a lot of time to think about what might happen when Jerry Dipoto and Co. are ready to make moves.

Though there's been much talk about the Mariners not sinking too much more money into the payroll, if the right opportunities arise Dipoto won't hesitate to strike, and he could be getting some inspiration from key performers currently giving it their all in the playoffs.

Mariners free agency: Players performing well in 2024 postseason Seattle can target

1B Pete Alonso (NYM)

With rumors already swirling that the Mariners are one of the top suitors for the Polar Bear, there's a chance Alonso could make a move to the PNW this offseason. His offensive profile would help bring some much-needed power to the first base position, something the Mariners have lacked since the John Olerud days.

Alonso's 31 doubles and 34 home runs in a pitcher-friendly ballpark like Citi Field would be a big improvement over the eight home runs and 14 doubles the team saw from Ty France before his departure at the trade deadline. He has been great for an upstart Mets team this October, posting an .861 OPS over his 37 playoff plate appearances with three home runs and six RBI.

He also saved the Mets in the final inning of the winner-take-all game against the Brewers in the Wild Card series.

However, on top of the poor baserunning and strikeout rate, Alonso's defensive range is some of the worst in the sport, as he logged -8 Outs Above Average in 2024. He also had -3 Defensive Runs Saved, which was a slight improvement but still below average. However, this shouldn't be a problem for Seattle as the quality of pitching makes any defensive trade-off a net positive transaction if it means bringing in more offensive production.

While the Mariners would be a great landing spot for Alonso, they're not the only team in the American League looking for an upgrade at first base. He's likely looking for a healthy nine-figure contract, one that might just be too pricey for the front office to pay.

2B Gleyber Torres (NYY)

The Mariners need a second baseman as badly as they need a first baseman. In fact, they might need a whole new infield. Even if they do, they'll have to do it one player at a time.

After seven years with the Bronx Bombers, Gleyber Torres will be hitting free agency for the first time in his career and could follow the footsteps of another middle infield great, Robinson Canó, by signing a contract with the Mariners.

Torres had a lukewarm year by his standards, posting just a .709 OPS but he still managed 26 doubles and 15 home runs. He's proven to be a consistent performer at the plate since debuting in 2018 and has the ability to hit 25+ doubles and 25+ home runs a year. He's managed to heat up in the postseason, logging an .844 OPS over 27 at-bats.

Similar to Alonso, Torres won't give you the outstanding defensive contributions of an Andrés Giménez or Brice Turang. Torres had -11 DRS and was quite poor as a middle infielder, but also like Alonso, his bat might be worth a downgraded glove.

Earlier reports have suggested that he is hoping to return to New York, but with much of their payroll potentially tied up into pursuing Juan Soto, there's a good chance Torres could be lured away.

RP Tommy Kahnle (NYY)

Kahnle has been an excellent piece of the Yankees bullpen over the last two years, averaging a 2.38 ERA and 1.13 WHIP with a 10.2 SO/9 over 83 1/3 total innings. A changeup-heavy reliever, his unorthodox style consistently confuses opposing batters and it hasn't been any different in the playoffs where he has pitched six shutout innings while giving up just two hits.

The Mariners will hopefully get Matt Brash and Gregory Santos back from the injured list by the time Opening Day 2025 comes around, but another dependable bullpen arm would still be a prudent offseason acquisition.

Kahnle would take some pressure off of the other relievers and would stand in stark contrast with the rest of the flame-throwing Mariners pitching staff. This might be the best acquisition of all for John Stanton because it probably won't cost much given Kahnle's age (he just turned 35).