MLB has now officially begun the free agency period.
On Sunday it was announced that Aaron Nola would be returning to Philadelphia Phillies for a seven-year $172 million deal.
Shohei Ohtani, the most popular player in the pool of free agents, is now available to teams.
Despite the fact he probably won’t pitch in 2024 due to severe ligament damage in his elbow, his offensive prowess and ability to pitch from 2025 on make him a candidate to set the record for the most expensive free agent deal.
Seattle Mariners needs a player who can consistently pound the ball, hit 44 home runs and drive in 95 runs over a season, while posting an OPS of 1.066.
Their rotation is very solid, but it certainly wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world to add a pitcher capable of posting a 3.14 ERA in 132 frames, with 167 strikeouts, from 2025 and into the future.
A Mariners insider said that their chances of acquiring Ohtani may not be as high, or realistic. They might then shift to other targets.
“Industry sources believe that Shohei Ohtani doesn’t appear to be in the Mariners’ realistic agenda this offseason, per @DKramer_,”Talkin’ Baseball tweeted.
Industry sources say that Shohei Ahtani is not on the Mariners’ agenda for this offseason. @DKramer_ pic.twitter.com/EBGgCE4HKp
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) November 18, 2023
Daniel Kramer, who covers the Mariners at MLB.com, speaks with coaches, executives and others in the organization.
The 2021 and the 2023 AL MVP is a perfect fit for the organization.
They’re contenders. Ohtani could help them win the World Series.
It would require a minimum investment of $500 million, and could be much more.
It’s crazy money, and the team might be realizing that, per Kramer.
NEXT:
Mariners Executive Has Bizarre Request For Fans