Mariners Rumors: International free agent could be Jorge Polanco replacement in 2025

There is no doubt that the Mariners offseason will be focused on adding offense. The team struggled mightily for most of the year under Scott Servais, only to get an injection of life after bringing in a pair of Mariners' legends, as Dan Wilson took over the managerial duties and Edgar Martinez led the hitting staff.

The team seemed to play a different brand of baseball, focusing more on the Edgar Martinez approach of driving the ball the other way and embracing some good ole fashioned "chaos ball." Guys like Dylan Moore, Victor Robles and Julio Rodriguez were running wild on the basepaths as the Mariners ranked fourth in stolen bases under Wilson.

As the Mariners focus on improving the team heading in 2025, fans should hope that Dipoto and Hollander focus on players with more of these types of skill sets. The acquisitions of big-time power, run producing players have been hard to hit on as the likes of Mitch Garver, Jorge Polanco and Jesse Winker have all been failed experiments. Seattle has two glaring holes at second base and third base, and one of the solutions for second base could fit the new style of Mariners player.

Hye-Seong Kim could provide a Victor Robles-like answer at second base for the Mariners

Though the Mariners rarely make significant moves via free agency, that could come to an end as a potential perfect fit could be in play. Jon Morosi of MLB.com linked the Mariners to Hye-Seong Kim, a second baseman for the Kiwoom Heroes. He's expected to be posted for the 2024-25 offseason and the Mariners are rumored to be interested.

Kim will be 26 years old for the entirety of the 2025 season, providing a young option for Dipoto to invest in. Praised for his high contact approach, his ability to steal bases and his elite defense, there may not be a more obvious fit for Seattle than this.

The lefty has posted three straight seasons hitting .300 or better while averaging over 30 stolen bases in his seven full seasons in the KBO. This fits the mold of exactly what the Mariners focused on later in the year and really need to add to this roster.

MLBTradeRumors projects Kim to get a three-year deal at $24 million, something that the Mariners should be able to afford. Add in the fact that the Korean Times even stated that Kim is one of the best defenders in the KBO, regardless of position, this seems like the ideal move for Dipoto to kickstart the offseason.