Mariners fans alerted to potential solution to first base problem

In some respects, the Seattle Mariners' offseason was best encapsulated by Donovan Solano being one of their major signings. His addition didn't exactly move the needle, especially when compared to other potential infield solutions such as Alex Bregman and Pete Alonso.

At the end of the day, though, Solano is set to be part of a platoon at first base along with Luke Raley. Understandably, plenty of Mariners fans wonder if this combo will suffice in 2025.

However, what if we told you there might be another potential solution for the first base conundrum?

R.J. Anderson of CBS Sports has put together a list of one breakout candidate for all 30 Major League teams, with him applying a high, medium or low confidence value to each selection. His pick for the Mariners is Tyler Locklear, in whom he has a medium level of confidence.

Tyler Locklear is highly rated by the Mariners and in general

Anderson does start off by acknowledging Locklear's issues after making his Major League debut in June last season, highlighted by him striking out 20 times in 49 plate appearances. Those underscore the 24-year-old's swing-and-miss tendencies. Also, simply being a right-handed first baseman can be a tough proposition at T-Mobile Park.

However, there are reasons why the Mariners thought enough of Locklear to pick him in the second round of the 2022 draft. He was the organization's No. 6 prospect last year, and he currently ranks 10th among all first base prospects for MLB pipeline.

On the offensive side, the top thing scouts point to is Locklear's raw power. Although, to be clear, there is more to his bat than this, as he also has the ability to spray the ball all over the field.

As much as the Baltimore, Maryland native did have his challenges in the Majors last season, the experience should prove invaluable for his development. Another opportunity is surely deserved after he showed promise at Triple-A last year, which included a .260/.371/.430 slash line and .801 OPS in 70 games with the Tacoma Rainiers.

Tyler Locklear's potential could benefit the Mariners this year

Despite Locklear's high strikeout rate in the Majors last season, Anderson is still confident in the youngster's excellent swing decisions, a skill that was consistently evident during his rise through the ranks. Combined with his plus strength, the CBS Sports columnist predicts "a prolonged look" at first base at some point during 2025.

In one respect, you almost don't want to see Locklear getting an extended opportunity this coming season, just because it would allude to Solano and Raley not being effective enough. At the same time, though, if the young prospect is indeed the future and as good as people believe he is, then you can make the case that there is no time like the (near) present.

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