2024 Mariners Offseason Plan: The Ohtani Hail Mary

Step 2: Sign OF Adam Duvall (1yr/$7mil)

If Seattle is going to run an outfield with Jarred Kelenic and Lars Nootbaar, I'd like to look for a veteran right handed bat that could provide a little pop off the bench, while being a safety hedge in case Kelenic struggles. Where AJ Pollock looked shot in 2023, I believe Adam Duvall will succeed.

Duvall, a former all-star and World Series hero for the Atlanta Braves in 2021, had an incredible start last year for the Boston Red Sox, before a wrist injury impaired him for the rest of the season. Nethertheless, Duvall still put up 1.5 WAR season and a 119 OPS+. He has experience playing in all three outfield spots, as well as 1st base earlier in his career. With an 85th percentile in barrel percentage, I'd love to see him not just as a super utility player, but a guy that will have no problem pushing the likes of Kelenic and Ty France for playing time.

Step 3: Resign C Tom Murphy (1yr/$6mil)

If Tom Murphy could just stay healthy, he could be looking at a massive payday in 2025. In the past two seasons, Murphy has played in only 61 games. In those 61 games, Murphy has a .292 average 14 doubles and 9 home runs with an OPS+ around 150. Those numbers put even J.T. Realmuto to shame.

Unfortunately, Tom has shown he can't stay healthy, even as the backup catcher/lefty mashing bench slugger. There's a chance a team will take a shot on him to be a more stable piece of their backstop situation, but if not, I want to keep giving Murphy chances to help this team.