After coming just shy of a postseason spot in 2023, the Seattle Mariners are looking to strengthen their lineup by adding multiple bats this offseason. For the Mariners’ front office, the need to improve an offense that ranked ninth among American League teams in OPS can not be ignored. Not if there are plans to return to the playoffs anyway.
Yet, the Mariners feel they have plenty of trade chips should they need to dip into their ammo. We already saw the front office make one big move by parting with former top prospect Jarred Kelenic in what is mostly being spun as a move to cut costs.
The Mariners are already comfortable swinging a big trade if needed. However, there’s also a certain free agent slugger Seattle reportedly has an eye on.
According to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, the Mariners are interested in signing two-time World Series winner Jorge Soler. The 31-year-old outfielder is coming off his first All-Star appearance after a strong season with the Miami Marlins, hitting 36 home runs in 580 plate appearances.
Soler returning to top form came at the perfect time, with the former Cubs, Royals, Braves, and Marlins designated hitter now viewed as one of the best hitters available in free agency.
With the Mariners having a need for another corner outfielder after the Kelenic trade, Soler could fit the bill; the only question is, will Seattle be willing to pay the price?
Current speculation has Soler signing a contract worth somewhere between $15 and $16 million annually, and the Arizona Diamondbacks are also said to have interest.