Click here to read the transcript of our Mariners-only chat, in conjunction with our recent Offseason Outlook piece on Seattle’s winter plans.
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Bruh, I would send DD a gift basket if he could get Flexen for Hoskins.
FYI, Dipoto has strongly hinted on local radio that a major expenditure for SS turn to a 2b, is NOT that path he’s taking. Forget any comment that may have given the wrong impression. Player development and trades are the way. He even suggested looking at the Astros as a example. How many Hugh FA contracts has Hou handed out? We’re talking FA,no a player they framed for, then extended the with big money. BUT signing FA , IF they plug a hole and are an upgrade
I can see them signing Jose Abreu to a 2 to 3yr deal. Maybe even get Enrique Hernandez on a 1 year deal to see if he makes a comeback and plays similar to his 2021 season. If they decide to trade Flexen, get a young bat. If the Mariners improve their offense, they could be a sneaky WS contender.
One of the first things Mark mentioned was Seattle’s outfield of question marks.
This is correct, but I would add that Haniger is a question mark as well. He missed most of 2022 and struggled heavily between a couple of hot streaks this year. I would be a little surprised if Seattle made the qualifying offer, but I’d be flat-out shocked if they brought him back and did nothing else to boost the outfield. The options they had this season wasn’t enough to get past Houston. There’s a clear need for a corner outfielder in addition to Haniger (two, if they don’t bring him back).
There is an abundance of RHPs and AAA/AA outfielders, so it’s easy to see them pulling a trade to address a need, or even for a hyped lower-level prospect, but if Seattle’s serious about getting to the World Series–and winning it–they really have to splurge a little, and free agency has some elite bats that could help them get there. I’m not sure trade gets them an elite bat.
Lot of speculation over DH in the chat. Reading between the lines from what Dipoto and Hollander said at the press conference, it seems likely that Lewis is the favorite for a good portion of PAs at DH. I really wonder how much of the praise for Winker was about believing in him as a fit. Easy to see that as a salesman speech, but I suppose they may be preparing themselves for a decision they’ll make after they learn more about his recovery from the surgery and procedure. If they do add a bat that can DH with Lewis or Torrens, someone who could handle the outfield in a pinch would seem more likely than a pure DH or first baseman.
Regarding the starting pitching depth and a possible trade of Flexen or Gonzales….
It remains to be seen what they intend to do with Weaver, but if they aren’t confident enough in the readiness of guys like Hancock or Dollard, they could always bring in a rehabbing starter, like Ross, for a fraction of the 8 million Flexen will earn, for example. They have an entire offseason and spring to find veteran depth if they feel they need it.
This was a great chat. I wish I could’ve participated, but work had other ideas.
Great post as always Stevil. I have not seen Masakata play ( probably misspelled) OF but if he is even league avg he would be a great pickup for Seattle. Has everything they need. Left handed bat plays OF is a good contact hitter. They probably won’t have to pay as much for him as a top tier FA. Heck if they want to fill that pitcher spot they could bring in a Senga too. Not as big of a need as the LH bat and OFer would be.
Yeah, I saw the news about Masataka Yoshida likely being posted. To be honest, I have no idea if Seattle sees him as a fit. Usually I hear something from Seattle’s scouts that stands out, but I really haven’t heard much.
With Kelenic, Trammell, and Marlowe all being LHHs and unproven, or not having broken out anyway, it’s a little hard to see Seattle picking up another LHH without a MLB track record, but he’s interesting. Even if the power doesn’t translate, he has good plate discipline.
I think if Seattle’s going to gamble on a bat, it’s more likely to be an internal option(s).. Maybe that changes if Haniger walks, but really, they have to get an established LHH for a corner.
Nimmo would fit so well, it’s almost stupid.
As to the comment about Seattle having to overpay to attract a FA, of course they have to. Why should they be different? 29 other teams decided they weren’t paying that much, and dropped out of the bidding. Not too many are picking their new team because of the good schools anymore.
I was happy to see SEA make the playoffs, but I think saying they gave the Astros all they could handle is being generous. The games were close, but HOU did win 3-0. Maybe next year.
More competitive than any other team this year in the playoffs