Padres infielder opting out of contract could have Mariners ready to pounce

Clearly, the Mariners' model for making the postseason has not panned out. After falling short once again in 2024, it's imperative for Seattle to go back to the drawing board and figure out a different way to become a consistent playoff contender.

Although it is difficult to break the mold, the Mariners have to accept that their formula has been a failure. Perhaps, more risk needs to be taken when considering signing new players. Taking the plunge into murky waters may be worth it, and making that first dive could be the answer to finding a an above-average second baseman.

Mariners Rumors: Padres' Ha-Seong Kim could be Seattle target

The offseason is always chaotic, and the 2024-25 edition will be no different. For the Mariners, Jorge Polanco had his team option declined, which vacates his spot at second base (for now). This is pretty typical of the M's carousel of players to compete at second base as they've struggled to find consistent production at the position.

One potential guy to consider is Ha-Seong Kim, who just entered free agency after he declined his mutual option with the San Diego Padres. He will be owed $2 million on the buyout.

Kim, 29, is a surefire glove who can play all infield positions . He was a Gold Glover in 2023 and had a promising 2024 campaign on the horizon, but a right shoulder injury ended his season earlier than expected.

Kim underwent surgery to fix the shoulder and he is not expected to return to the field in time for the start of the 2025 regular season, which inputs the potential risk. Coming back from this type of injury is not as unpredictable for position players, but teams know to still proceed with caution. Kim is a stud at shortstop and third base, but this injury may move him to second base in a full-time setting, which could be perfect for the Mariners.

Other organizations may stop short of offering Kim a long-term contract, so the M's have an opportunity to pounce. Kim is worth the money, having accumulated a 13.3 bWAR in the last three seasons. He spent the majority of the 2024 campaign playing shortstop, but logged 106 games at second base in 2023. It seems like a match made in heaven for both sides.

The Mariners may need to dig their heels into the risk factor behind signing a few free agents this offseason. Winning in Major League Baseball is all about weighing risk vs. reward, which is something the Mariners seldom do. Perhaps it is time that organizational philosophy changes.