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3. Shohei Ohtani, Designated Hitter
Remember, this is the dream lineup. In my scenario, the Mariners were able to convince ownership that signing Ohtani is a good thing, and they got the job done. I am not going to speculate the details of the contract, but do not let ownership fool you into believing they cannot afford Ohtani. They absolutely can, and Ohtani should just be able to play where he wants to in 2024 and beyond.
Ohtani obviously will not pitch in 2024, due to having Tommy John surgery earlier this year. Before the Injury, Shohei proved that he is the best player o the planet. He led the American League in Home Runs (44), OBP (.414), Slugging (.654), OPS (1.066), OPS+ (184) and total bases (325). Oh, and he only played in 135 games, as he did not play a game in September. Absolutely unreal.
Shohei Ohtani on hearing the chants from #Mariners fans to come to Seattle (through interpreter):
— Jessamyn McIntyre (@JessamynMcIntyr) July 12, 2023
“Every time I come here, the fans are passionate. I’ve actually spent a couple off-seasons in Seattle, I like the city, it’s good.” pic.twitter.com/W52VByI0W1
Obviously, the Mariners are not the favorite to sign Ohtani this offseason. Mariners fans have been pleading their case to ownership to bring Ohtani to Seattle, by chanting "Come to Seattle!" during his at bats in the All-Star Game.
Mariners fans chanting “Come to Seattle” to Shohei Ohtani.
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) July 12, 2023
This is how you Recruit stars @StoolBaseball pic.twitter.com/Qr9yvs6T1J
4. Paul Goldschmidt, First base (R)
Paul Goldschmidt is one of the most underrated players in all of baseball. While 2023 was a "down" season for the former MVP, it was still a good season, and one the Mariners have not had at First Base since John Olerud. Goldy hit .268/.363/.447/.810 with an OPS+ of 120. He hit 25 Home Runs and drove in 80. He also stole 11 bases, for what it's worth. Goldy was the MVP back in 2022 for the St. Louis Cardinals, but fell off a bit in 2023.
Goldschmidt is now 36 years old, and he is entering the final year of his contract with the Cardinals. I am not sure the Cardinals will actually trade him, but if the team has a disappointing offseason like they did in the 2023 regular season, they could be forced to move him. Paul is due $22,000,000 in 2024, which is about fair market value. The Mariners could even opt to have St. Louis pay down some of that money if the Mariners added another prospect or two. While I am not giving up on Ty France, the opportunity to get Goldschmidt, even at 36 years old, is too much to pass on.