Latest Mariners-Justin Turner buzz can't stop Seattle from thinking bigger

Until the Seattle Mariners finally make their move, we're going to continue to hammer home the fact that they need an upgrade at the first base position. The club is currently projected to start the 2025 season with Luke Raley as their everyday option, but they also have their fair share of free agent options to pick from.

One of those is Justin Turner, who spent the second half of this past season in Seattle. The soon-to-be 40-year-old is (obviously) at the tail end of his career, but he hasn't let that hurt his offensive production too much. In 2024 alone, he played in 139 games, hitting 11 home runs with 55 RBI and a 114 OPS+ while splitting his time between the Blue Jays and Mariners.

As relayed by MLB.com's Daniel Kramer, Mariners GM Justin Hollander has already been loud and proud about the fact that the club is already having discussions with Turner for a reunion in 2025.

Mariners shouldn't settle for only Justin Turner this offseason

The numbers speak for themselves here: Turner would be a fine (re)addition to this Mariners club. However, another deal for him should not be where Seattle stops their search for offensive firepower.

Since Turner is about to turn 40 and isn't much of a defender at any spot in the infield, a low-cost, one-year contract as a platoon first baseman and/or designated hitter should be the very highest Seattle's willing to go in their offers.

Other right-handed-hitting options on the open market include Pete Alonso, Christian Walker and Paul Goldschmidt, all of whom would be much more expensive than Turner, but they'd also be bringing much more production to the position.

With Luke Raley's positional versatility, he can split his time between first base and the outfield this upcoming season. This should open the door up for a high-end external candidate to come in and take over the majority of the playing time at first base. Sure, Turner would be a solid get, but a reunion with him should not be where the Mariners stop their pursuit of some thump.