Mariners Look at First Base

All Mariner fans know that the priority of the off-season is pitching especially in the starting rotation however far as the regular everyday lineup they have to look at first base.

The two guys who played the majority of time at first base are now free agents; Danny Valencia who began the season as the regular first baseman and Yonder Alonso who they picked up from the Oakland A’s in August.

Alonso says that he would be interested in returning to the Mariners however whether he does or doesn’t will depend on what the asking price is on the open market. Alonso had his best year including being in the all-star game. Haven’t heard about Valencia either from him or the Mariners; he is likely come at a less expensive price than Alonso. There is a possibility that the Mariners could resign both of the guys and have them platoon once again although Alonso will likely want to play every day. Valencia on the other hand can substitute at third base and play the corner positions in the outfield.

Right now Daniel Vogelbach is the only first baseman on the forty man roster. If the Mariners decide to keep him and not resign either Alonso or Valencia the Mariners could go with Taylor Motter as the right handed hitter in a platoon situation if he is still with the club as the utility player. If he isn’t whoever is the utility player could do the same at first base. There is a good possibility that Vogelbach could be traded by the Mariners during the off-season. A lot will depend on how they feel about him as an everyday player at first base. With Nelson Cruz still being the designated hitter Vogelbach would have to wait another year at least to fill that spot. Cruz has one year left on the contract he signed with the Mariners as a free agent. Depending on he does in 2018 the Mariners will have the choice whether to bring him back in 2019 or not. At this point Cruz is not looking at slowing down.

Former Mariner Logan Morrison who had his best year in the majors with the Tampa Bay Rays is a free agent as well. I am not sure whether the Mariners will look at bringing him back or not. Although I like the guy I am not sure whether I would want him once again. Whatever the case it still comes down to how much money the Mariners have for pitching and who they can go after. Go M’s.