The dominoes of free agency are beginning to fall, but they haven’t yet tipped in the Seattle Mariners’ favor.
After the Mariners’ biggest rivals, the Houston Astros, signed first baseman Christian Walker to a three-year, $60 million deal, the New York Yankees followed suit by securing Paul Goldschmidt on a one-year, $12.5 million contract.
This information was first reported by MLB Network’s Jon Heyman.
Seattle was reportedly interested in both Walker and Goldschmidt. However, Walker’s cost was on the edge of the Mariners’ payroll capacity, and Goldschmidt’s age likely made his asking price difficult for the team to accommodate.
Goldschmidt, a 14-year veteran and seven-time All-Star, is coming off a season where he batted .245, hitting 22 home runs, driving in 61 RBIs, and stealing 11 bases.
The Mariners are still in need of a first baseman to pair with Luke Raley, as well as a starter at second and third base.
With Goldschmidt now off the market, fewer options are available for free agents. The Mariners could still consider bringing back Carlos Santana or Justin Turner, both of whom are expected to face less competition now that Walker and Goldschmidt have signed.
Seattle was also rumored to be “in the mix” for Pete Alonso, though he’s expected to command a longer contract with a higher annual salary than Walker. It seems unlikely the Mariners will sign him unless they free up salary space through a trade.
Other players the Mariners have reportedly shown interest in at first base, dating back to the trade deadline, include Yandy Diaz of the Tampa Bay Rays and Josh Naylor of the Cleveland Guardians.
With 2025 approaching, the Mariners have fewer options. However, this situation also applies to available players.
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