2023/24 MLB Free Agency Rankings for the Seattle Mariners 

Now that one of the more disappointing weeks in Seattle Mariners history has passed, the M's fanbase now gets to enjoy watching both of our Lone Star rivals battle it out for the American League championship…oof.

If it wasn't clear during the Mariners collapse in September, it should be clear now. Jerry Dipoto’s “Draft, Develop & Trade” philosophy needs a reboot. It is time to look ahead to how the Seattle Mariners can finally be a player in free agency. While this class is not as deep as the past two years (when Seattle did nothing), there is still elite talent and realistic paths for Seattle to make the leap in 2024. 

Without further ado, here are the top 30 MLB free agents that I believe are potential fits with the Seattle Mariners. Any financial average annual value (AAV) that you see are the most recent projections from Spotrac. Let's dive in and see what and where we can look to get better in 2024.

Mariners 2023/24 FA Rankings: #28-30

#30: Jack Flaherty, SP Baltimore Orioles, $11 AAV 

A few years ago, Flaherty was the next great baseball Ace. Injuries and command issues have prevented him from reaching his elite ceiling, but he could be a perfect reclamation project for Seattle.

#29: Joe Kelly, RP LA Dodgers, $4.4 AAV 

I don't know what it is about Kelly, but he seems to be a below average reliever on any team not named the Dodgers, but turns into an elite bullpen weapon in Los Angeles. It'd be fascinating to see this phenomenon put to the test in Seattle, where bullpen arms become bullpen weapons consistently.

#28: Tim Anderson, 2B/SS Chicago White Sox, $5 AAV 

The former batting champ had the season from hell in Chicago, culminating in his embarrassing knockout by Jose Ramirez. If Ryan Bliss is not ready to be promoted, Anderson is an interesting buy low candidate at 2B in a potentially strong platoon with Josh Rojas. Could a change of scenery reignite Anderson's career?

Mariners 2023/24 FA Rankings: #25-27

#27: Tommy Pham, OF Arizona Diamondbacks, $8.3 AAV 

Championship teams seem to always have that veteran that either keeps the clubhouse loose, or is the vocal leader to help inspire the team. The next few players on our list meet this criteria, starting with Tommy Pham. After a fantastic first half of the season with the Mets, Pham has been a great veteran addition to a Diamondbacks team that is playing in the NLCS. He could provide that jolt of energy to the club, while also building up strong depth.

#26 Michael Brantley, DH/OF Houston Astros, $9.5 AAV 

If you read any of my offseason content from last season, you know I'm a big fan of Michael Brantley. One of the best pure hitters in the game today, injuries have been the only thing keeping Brantley from continuing to dominate. A native of Seattle, Brantley has ties to the Mariners with his father being a former player, Brantley could be the perfect veteran bat for a team that desperately needs contact and fewer strikeouts in the lineup. Is he willing to leave Houston is the question, as he could be a big swing move in the Astros/M's rivalry.

#25: Brandon Belt, 1B/DH Toronto Blue Jays, $2.4 AAV

Continuing the search for veteran bats and leadership, Belt is another one that got away from Seattle last winter. Belt was long rumored to be on Seattle's radar last year, before eventually signing with Toronto. The former World Series champ produced, giving the Blue Jays a 2 WAR season and a 136 OPS+. Does Seattle trust Canzone to be a platoon with Ty France? How long of a leash does France have? 

Mariners 2023/24 FA Rankings: #17-20

#20: Joc Pederson, OF/DH San Francisco, $15.8 AAV 

If Conforto feels too risky of a move for Seattle, bringing in Joc Pederson could be a safer alternative. The two-time World Series champ can provide a steady left-handed bat with pop to the DH position, while also playing a little bit of OF still. Joc can help the team on the field and could be a clubhouse leader and mentor for guys like Julio and Kelenic.

#19: Marcus Stroman, SP Chicago Cubs, $15.6 AAV 

At the All-Star break, Stroman looked like a true Cy Young contender and was looking at a massive payday. Now, a brutal second half and injury concerns likely have lowered his number by quite a bit. When healthy, there's no better #3 pitcher in baseball, and Stroman can even play the role of a #1 starter for a time.

#18: Eduardo Rodriguez, SP Detroit Tigers, $20.5 AAV 

Few pitchers are as durable as Eduardo Rodriguez has been. Another great #3 pitcher, Rodriguez put together a 3.5 WAR season for a Tigers team that showed real growth this year. Does he want to wait for them to be contenders, or is he ready to rejoin a contender? 

#17: Sonny Gray SP Minnesota Twins, $20.3 AAV 

Easily the best of this trio of pitchers similarly ranked, Gray is a true #2 starter with experience and success in the AL West. An all-star this season, Gray posted a 2.79 ERA and a 5.3 WAR season for the AL Central champs. While guys like Blake Snell and Aaron Nola will probably be more sought after, Gray is a lot closer to their tier than people think. 

Mariners 2023/24 FA Rankings: #13-16

#16: Justin Turner, DH/1B Boston Red Sox, $17.2 AAV 

The stats show that Turner's age is catching up to him, but he's still a strong hitter with massive playoff experience. He mashed at Dodger Stadium for his entire career and enjoyed the friendly confines of Fenway Park as a right-handed hitter. Even at T-Mobile, would likely be a sizeable upgrade at the DH spot.

#15: Matt Chapman, 3B Toronto Blue Jays, $17.2 AAV 

If the Mariners feel like Geno Suarez will continue to regress on offense, then they have to at least consider Matt Chapman here. A superb defensive wizard at 3rd base, Chapman shows star potential in flashes, but is inconsistent on offense. Even still, Chapman had a slightly higher OPS+ than Geno, a a lower K rate, and he doubled Geno in WAR (4.4 to 2.2).

#14: Mitch Garver, DH/C Texas Rangers, $10 AAV 

A player the Seattle Mariners and their fans know all too well this year, Garver has been an offensive machine for a Texas squad that is in the final four. As a DH and backup catcher, Garver put up serious damage when he was healthy. In 87 games, Garver hit .270 with 80 hits, 44 BBs, and 19 home runs. We talked about the double advantage of taking a good player away from a rival, and Garver fits that potential.

#13: Jeimer Candelario, 3B/1B Chicago Cubs, $11.6 AAV 

A personal darling of mine during the trade deadline, Candelario is a versatile doubles machine that has improved his K rate tremendously. Candelario is able to play both 3B and 1B, and could be signed to add an offensive punch, while also pushing Geno and Ty to step up.

Mariners 2023/24 FA Rankings: #10-12

#12: Josh Hader, RP San Diego Padres, $17.5 AAV 

Will the Mariners sign Josh Hader? No, but that doesn't mean they shouldn't look into it. As unlikely as it may seem, there's a chance John Stanton opens the checkbook this winter. If the Mariners landed a marquee player, that would be great, but more work is still needed for this squad to win in October. Getting the best closer in the game could be a fun scenario, as pretty much any lead after 6 innings would feel like a lock.

#11: Aaron Nola, SP Philadelphia Phillies, $24.5 AAV 

Another guy who's probably gonna have big moments over the next week or so, Aaron Nola is in an interesting spot. He's right there with Zack Wheeler as that #1 guy in Philadelphia, but had somewhat of a down year, even though he was brilliant in the NLDS against Atlanta. His resume screams control the zone and could be an interesting fit with Seattle's philosophy. How much money does Philly have to keep all their guys, before someone slips away?

#10: Jorge Soler, DH Miami Marlins, $13.9 AAV 

When the Seattle Mariners traded for Teoscar Hernandez last offseason, they were hoping to acquire what Soler was in 2023. The former World Series MVP had a powerful 2023, smacking 36 home runs and posting a 128 OPS+. You find a way to get that level of production from the DH spot, at a price similar to what Teo will likely get, it feels like a strong match. Will Soler wants to leave Miami for Seattle, is where I'm skeptical.

Mariners 2023/24 FA Rankings: #6-9

#9: JD Martinez, DH LA Dodgers, $15.4 AAV 

If Michael Brantley is not the most professional hitter in this FA class, then that title should belong to Martinez. While he may no longer be the top 6-7 hitter in the game that he was 6 years ago, he's still a star level bat that can completely change the Mariners lineup. Having just turned 36, Martinez crushed both righties and lefties with 33 home runs and a .271 average in pitcher-friendly Dodger Stadium. If Ohtani signs with the Dodgers, then Martinez will be a legitimate option for Seattle.

#8: Trevor Bauer, SP Yokohama Bay Stars

This is a name that will spark strong emotions from a lot of people, and I get it. I'm not saying Seattle should sign him, but he is going to be ranked on this list. Two years ago, Bauer was arguably the best pitcher on the planet. A lot can change over two years, but he's been dominant in Japan as well. Not if, but when he signs, he will likely be a game-changer to their rotation and playoff hopes. Will be very interesting to see how that said team handles the media fallout from signing him.

#7: Lourdes Gurriel Jr, OF Arizona Diamondbacks, #14.6 AAV 

If you've been watching the Diamondbacks Cinderella run to the NLCS, you've probably noticed Lourdes Gurriel being one of the catalysts of their run. The younger brother of the infamous Astro Yuli Gurriel, Lourdes has been one of the most underrated players in the league in 2023. A tremendous left fielder who can also play 1B, Gurriel brought a level of offense to the desert after being traded from Toronto. Gurriel posted a .261 BA as well as 24 home runs and tremendous contact numbers. Having just turned 30, the Mariners could lock up a great defensive outfielder that is emerging into a really good hitter in his prime.

#6: Rhys Hoskins, 1B/LF Philadelphia Phillies, $21 AAV 

A true boom or bust free agent, Rhys Hoskins can be a premier bat in the Mariners lineup. Unfortunately for him and the Phillies, a torn ACL in spring training has kept him out all year, but he does have a shot at a 2016 "Kyle Schwarber" playoff return if the Phillies were to make it to the Fall Classic. When you think of light-tower power, Hoskins comes to mind. As he showed in last year's playoffs, he could bring a boom to Seattle that fans haven't seen since Nelson Cruz.

Mariners 2023/24 FA Rankings: #3-5

#5: Jung Hoo-Lee, OF Kiwoon Heroes

SoDo Mojo has talked about Jung Hoo-Lee quite a bit, and it is for a good reason, this dude can play. The "Grandson of the Wind'' brings elite speed, defense, and contact skills to a lineup that desperately needs it. One of the great players in Korean baseball history, Hoo-Lee's floor is an elite 4th outfielder with game-changing speed. His ceiling is one of the best contact bats in baseball, with sneaky power. Expect a contract similar to what Boston gave Masataka Yoshida last winter, and that's a deal Seattle has to jump on.

#4: Yoshinobu Yamamoto, SP Orix Buffaloes

While Hoo-Lee is the best international hitter available, Yoshinobu Yamamoto is one of the best incoming international pitchers we've seen. The two-time defending PBL MVP is just 25 years old and will be a #2 starter on most ball clubs. Yamamoto possesses a mid to high 90s fastball and a devastating splitter as part of a five-pitch repertoire. Yamamoto will be in high demand.

#3: Blake Snell, SP San Diego Padres, $23.5 AAV 

The third native son of Seattle in this free agent class, Blake Snell will likely provide Seattle fans a lot to discuss this winter. Snell is one of the very best pitchers in the game. He's a former American League Cy Young winner who is going to win the National League Cy Young this year. From about July on, he's been the best pitcher on the planet. There are also rumors and smoke all over about his desire to return home and be a Mariner. 

This is all great, but it's not that simple. Much like Robbie Ray, Snell has some concerning metrics, specifically his command, and ability to pitch into the 7th inning. The Mariners appear to be overloaded in pitching, and may not want to close to $25 million a year on another pitcher. Signing Snell immediately gives the Mariners the best rotation in baseball, despite Snell's flaws, and it allows Seattle to trade a young pitcher for a legitimate bat. I think this is a hometown, home run move that Jerry Dipoto needs to look at seriously.

Mariners 2023/24 FA Rankings: #1-2

#2: Cody Bellinger, OF Chicago Cubs, $22.5 AAV 

The former rookie of the year and NL MVP has had quite the rebirth of his career after signing a one-year deal with Chicago and nearly carrying them to the World Series. Belli is an elite center fielder who just slashed .307/.356/.525 in 130 games, while becoming overnight one of the best contact hitters in the game. 

Bellinger brings questions about fit, and debate about whether he's fully turned the corner, but I believe that corner has been turned and the best is yet to come for the ultra-talented 28-year-old. If he came to Seattle, he'd likely become the best right fielder in the game, and the park is suited for his combination of speed and power to be the star left-handed bat this franchise needs. A trio of JP Crawford, Julio Rodriguez, and Cody Bellinger paired with an elite pitching staff is a true World Series contender.

#1: Shohei Ohtani, DH/SP LA Angels

The man, the myth, the legend. The one that got away from Dipoto in 2018 is now in the market yet again. We saw the reception he received at the All-Star game, and the comments he made about Seattle after. As much of a disappointment as this season has been, I do still believe that the Mariners will find themselves in a position to sign Ohtani. The Dodgers are heavy favorites, but West Coast teams like Seattle and San Francisco shouldn't be thought of as not having a chance.

Seattle would have to figure out a way to bring another impact player to Seattle, before they even get to the Ohtani meeting, as a way of showing they're committed. You also have to be prepared to move on quickly if you sense your fading, or risk missing out on potential other free agents.

Signing Ohtani is not without risk, he won't even pitch in 2024 and you're probably still gonna have to pay him close to $600 million to come to Seattle. It's a great undertaking, but it'd also change this franchise forever, and in a good way I believe. 

I don't believe Seattle will bring Ohtani to the Pacific Northwest, but if they pulled it off, you can make a strong case that the Mariners could be the best team in all of baseball.