Who’s the Perfect Fit: The Next Seattle

Seattle’s offseason has been one of the most exciting in the MLB and it shows no sign of slowing down as more signings seem to be on the way.

Going into the offseason, Mariners GM Jerry Dipoto made it clear that he was looking to add this offseason and add big-name talent. To his credit, he has already done that. With the signing of 2021 Cy Young award winner Robby Ray, the team adds an ace to it’s rotation for the first time since the prime days of Felix Hernandez.

Alongside Ray, Dipoto also made a trade with San Diego for All-Star utility man Adam Frazier to help shore up the infield while adding a solid bat and glove to the lineup.

The moves made so far by Dipoto have made him true to his word and the team has gotten better. Just because the team has improved, doesn’t mean it is done making moves this off-season.

Many free agents are still available that can fill holes that Seattle has, but there are three big names that keep swirling around as being linked to Seattle.

Top Three Names

Carlos Correa

Correa has made a name for himself as a premium talent among other talented shortstops in this year’s free agency class. 2021’s Platinum Glove winner jumped from Houston and is looking for a huge payday with another team.

Shortstop is not a position that Seattle needs, as they have it anchored in by J.P. Crawford. The understanding with Correa is that if he is signed, he would move around the infield occasionally playing short, but mostly playing 2nd and 3rd base.

Correa has been a cornerstone in the Astros’ multiple post-season runs, including a World Series victory. His playoff experience and stellar offensive and defensive prowess make him a very desirable player.

Marcus Stroman

The old saying of "You can never have enough starting pitching" is more true than ever and Stroman is one of the best still on the market.

Robbie Ray would more than likely still be the ace if Stroman joins the team, but adding Stroman helps really strengthen a rotation that has had injury concerns in the past. His 2021 season with the Mets was outstanding with an ERA just above three through 33 starts.

Seattle’s young pitchers still need some time to develop, so Stroman’s presence gives the team time to let the young guys mature before making it to the big leagues.

Trevor Story

Similar to Correa, Story is a shortstop that would likely need to be converted to fit in with what Seattle needs. As a pure athlete, Story is a specimen with outstanding power and great speed.

Story has been linked to Seattle ever since the trade deadline during the season. His natural athleticism and power would give the Mariners a big boost at the dish for 2022 and beyond.

The next signing should be…

Marcus Stroman will be the next free agent signing by the Seattle Mariners.  Starting pitching is at a premium this offseason and Stroman is the best available.

Seattle could definitely use another infielder, but with the emergence of Abraham Toro last season and the trade for Adam Frazier, infielders are not the biggest need for Seattle.

If Seattle signs Stroman their rotation projects to be:

1. Robbie Ray
2. Marcus Stroman
3. Logan Gilbert
4. Marco Gonzales
5. Chris Flexen

Having Stroman in the rotation means that the depth for starters is full of young guys waiting for their chance to play in the big leagues. Plus, the competition that will come from having more bonafide starting pitchers can only help the team improve and fight to stay relevant.

While multiple players can sign, Stroman’s fit with the team makes the most sense going forward. His ability to be a reliable arm and the Mariners pitching situation, make Stroman a perfect fit for a Seattle team that has their eyes set on breaking the 20-year playoff drought in 2022.

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