Ranking the available free agent first basemen for Mariners after 2024 season

The Mariners are set to be one of the busiest clubs this offseason. After brutally missing out on the playoffs in 2024, it is imperative for Seattle to set sail on some of their players and be aggressive in signing at least one much-needed productive bat. The M's had the 10th-worst OPS among American League teams this year (.687), and part of that issue came from the poor contribution at first base.

This position will be one of Seattle's cracks to fill for 2025. There are a handful of decent free agent options, which the Mariners should weigh before falling in love with one of them.

Ranking the available free agent first basemen for Mariners after 2024 season

Carlos Santana

At 38 years old, Santana continues to prove that he can remain a viable middle-of-the-order candidate. He muscled 49 extra-base hits this past season, but his slugging would not be the only thing he brings to the table. Santana would become a veteran presence in the clubhouse who has plenty of postseason experience.

It would be a homecoming for Santana, who played 79 games with Seattle in 2022 when they made the postseason. He belted 15 home runs in that stretch, adding four RBI in five playoff games with the Mariners. Ultimately, Santana would not cost the Mariners much in 2025 and would be on a short-term deal. As the Mariners try and figure out other positions, this could be a solid temporary fit.

Josh Bell

After playing in Pittsburgh for five seasons to begin his career, Josh Bell is struggling to find a home. He's bounced around with five different clubs since leaving the Pirates, but has proven his value as a hitter. He capped the 2024 season with the Diamondbacks, registering a 121 OPS+ in 41 meaningful games as Arizona was pushing for the postseason.

Bell would likely sign to a multi-year deal in the 2-4 year range. He would not cost much either as he is coming off of a two-year, $33 million contract. His lefty swing could also help offset the middle of the order, which has right-handed hitters in Julio Rodriguez and Randy Arozarena.

Paul Goldschmidt

Goldschmidt's time in St. Louis did not go as planned with fellow veteran All-Star Nolan Arenado, and he will finish his career elsewhere. Could it be Seattle? Just like Carlos Santana, this would be an ideal short-term fit for the M's.

The 2022 NL MVP is regressing as he just turned 37 years old, but Goldschmidt might be receiving more criticism than he deserves. Besides the shortened 2020 season, Goldschmidt has powered 20 or more home runs in 11 of his 12 full seasons. This includes 2024, when he mashed 22 home runs and 33 doubles, batting .272 in August and .275 in September. Though he closed out the year with a .245 average, he did not slow down as the schedule moved along, which is definitely a sign of him not slowing down in his latter years.

Pete Alonso

Alonso is going to cost any team he signs with a ton of capital. He's smashed 226 home runs in six seasons with the Mets, which will catch the eyes of several general managers across baseball. Is he worth it? To some teams, signing him for seven years at $25 million per season could help lay the foundation of a club looking to win more games.

It's tough to deny the leadership and the power that Alonso would bring, and his presence would benefit a team like the Mariners. However, a handful of organizations will be looking to offer him a lucrative deal. If Seattle can land him, it means they're spending big.

Christian Walker

Although Pete Alonso is getting more of the spotlight as the market-setter among free agent first basemen, teams should consider favoring Walker over him. Walker strikes out significantly less than Alonso and has gone deep 95 times in the last three seasons. He can straight-up rake.

Walker is four years older than Alonso, which means he will cost much less. Their power output is similar and Walker has only gotten better over the last few seasons. The Mariners won't have to be in bed long-term with him, so if it doesn't work out, it won't handcuff the organization, whereas a seven-year deal with Alonso could tie them down if he continues to project downward.

The field of free agent first basemen is filled with talent, which means the Mariners don't have to settle for anyone. The choice can be theirs if they play their cards right.