MLB Network has Mariners swiping powerful lefty hitter from Orioles in free agency

As the MLB offseason rolls on, the rumors only continue to multiply. The predictions only become more outlandish. For what it's worth, sometimes those guesses are correct, which adds to the fun that is the chaos of the baseball world every winter. This offseason in particular, the Seattle Mariners are constantly thrown into the tornado of predictions.

Seattle has plenty of needs if they want to succeed in 2025, so its no surprise they've been mentioned in countless rumors. From the beginning of October, to as late as this week, the rumor mill is standing on the shoulders of the Mariners. They are destined to make a move, but it's just a matter of how much money they want to spend, and which position they are prioritizing.

The latest prediction comes from MLB Network, and if this one comes true, it should have M's fans jumping for joy.

MLB Network has Mariners swiping Anthony Santander in free agency

Dan Plesac's offseason forecast is the topic of discussion here. He has the Orioles re-signing Corbin Burnes and inking another ace in Max Fried. These moves would have Baltimore move on from slugger Anthony Santander, who Plesac predicts will sign with Seattle.

Santander finished with 44 home runs in 2024, trailing only Aaron Judge for most round-trippers in the American League. He has 105 home runs over the last three seasons in addition to 90 doubles. Cal Raleigh muscled 34 bombs for the M's, and after that, the lineup saw a massive drop-off in homers. Santander would be a tremendous bandage to a struggling lineup.

This past year, the Mariners had the fourth-worst slugging percentage in the American League, while the Orioles had the highest. Seattle also placed 10th in OPS in the AL, so they are desperate for some production in the middle of the lineup.

Santander was named to the All-Star team in 2024, which is the first nod of his career. He also placed 14th in the MVP race and earned his first Silver Slugger award. It was a season to remember for Santander, who earned $11.7 million in his final year of arbitration eligibility. As he enters free agency at 30 years old, he will cost a bit more than that per season.

So, should Mariners buy into this prediction? It's obviously best to proceed with caution any time a potential deal is brought to surface, but signing Anthony Santander is not out of the realm of possibility for Seattle, nor for any team looking to contend. Maybe Jerry Dipoto will splurge just a little on a home run hitter. Just maybe.