Top stories indicates that some executives around MLB think the Seattle Mariners are strong favorites to sign the top slugger available in this year’s free agent market.
The 2024 MLB playoffs are set to begin this week, but the Mariners will be watching from home. After a strong start and a lengthy stint leading the American League West in the first half, they struggled in the final months of the season, resulting in a major disappointment for a year that began with so much promise.
As they head into the offseason, Seattle will still boast a talented and young pitching staff. However, their batting order has been a significant issue, ultimately derailing their postseason chances in 2024. The front office is expected to focus on addressing this weakness by pursuing impactful hitters.
Additionally, a new report suggests that the Mariners are seen as a potential destination for the premier power hitter available in this winter’s free agent market.
Seattle Mariners turning into serious favorite to sign Pete Alonso
“If All-Star first baseman Pete Alonso doesn’t return to the Mets, rival executives believe he will end up in Seattle or with the Cubs,” USA Today MLB insider Bob Nightengale reported in a new column this week.
The four-time All-Star will turn 30 this December and is regarded as one of the best sluggers in the game. The homegrown Mets product has hit 30 or more home runs in every season of his six-year career except for one, which was during the pandemic. He has slugged 40 or more home runs twice and reached 50 in his rookie season.
The Mets letting Alonso go is a distinct possibility, as the two sides were unable to reach an agreement on an extension over the past year. Instead, they may choose to allocate that money toward signing Juan Soto and Corbin Burnes in free agency, while also aiming to re-sign other free agents like pitchers Luis Severino and Sean Manaea.
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