4 best targets for seafarers without an agent

The Seattle Mariners had a disastrous season in 2024. They need improvement after leading the AL West by ten games in June, competing for a Wild Card spot and failing to make the playoffs again. But they didn’t spark the big free agency that many had hoped for. What free agents should be The Mariners are wrapping up the MLB offseason signing?

The Mariners need infielders to fill out their lineup. There are holes with Jorge Polanco looking for a new team and Ty France getting DFA during the season. Plus, Seattle was second to last in team batting average and should target solid hitters in the process. They missed Willie Adames and Christian Walker, the biggest infielders available this winter. Most of the big free agents this offseason were outfielders and pitchers. But there are still infielders the Mariners can get on the cheap.

Who should the Mariners target this offseason? And how will it fit into the setting and around the diamond?

Can the Mariners catch Ha-seong Kim?

After a solid season for the Padres, Ha-seong Kim needs a new home. The Mariners have a shortstop in JP Crawford, but Kim could play second or third base. Kim was a solid hitter for the Padres, but nothing too above average. Part of the problem for Seattle’s offense is that their stadium is very difficult to hit. His defense and solid hitting history should give him an edge over other available infielders.

The Athletic projects his contract in two years, $36 million. That’s very affordable for the Mariners, who have plenty of contracts expiring in the next two years. Increasing their outfield and lineup for this season is important so a relatively high AAV shouldn’t push them away. While Kim won’t be the player that pushes them over the edge, he can be one part of the group that gets them there.

Anthony Rizzo can play first base

The Yankees made it to the World Series despite having very little production from first base. That’s mainly because Anthony Rizzo has been dealing with injury issues and has struggled to hit home runs. If he’s fully healthy and in a new city, it could be a career revival season. There are worse players the Mariners could bring in on a one-year deal than a veteran with World Series experience.

This would likely be a one-year deal for Ritz, who is 35 and made $6 million from the Yankees who declined his option. Add that to his career earnings of $129 million and this could be a cheap deal. The Mariners need a first baseman, Ritz needs a home, and the options are slim.

Jon Berti can be a versatile infielder

If Kim is too expensive for the Mariners, John Bertie would be a great cheap option. He was traded from the Marlins to the Yankees just before the 2024 season and has been solid when he has played. His injury concerns from May are gone as he returns to the playoffs and has positional versatility.

This would be another one-year, cheap deal. Bertie is a solid player who can hit a little. It may not solve their batting average problem, but it can fill their defensive holes. The Mariners should trust their stars, Julio Rodriguez and Victor Robles, to solve the offensive problems. You can assume they believe in those players if a player like Bertie is signed.

Nicky Lopez can be an under-the-radar addition to the Mariners

There are plenty of 2024 Chicago White Sox players still available in free agency. There were so many problems with the Southsiders last year that these players should get chances elsewhere. That includes Nicky Lopez, who hit .241 in 124 games playing second base and shortstop.

This is another player who would be happy to sign a one-year deal with the Mariners. Although he is so hard to hit in Seattle, Lopez would be a solid defender and has had success at T-Mobile Park. In 14 games, he has a .357 batting average with 20 hits in 56 at-bats. Bringing someone who can hit to Seattle would be a great way to end the offseason.