Mariners Free Agency: Will They Pursue Outfield Additions?

The Seattle Mariners are heading into the offseason with a solid, mostly intact outfield group. Still, their front office might keep the door open for upgrades if the right chance pops up.

Team president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto seems confident in Seattle’s outfield depth, even after a year full of injuries. The organization’s main focus will stay on first and third base, but they haven’t ruled out adding another outfielder—especially if their other moves fall through.

Seattle’s Outfield Core Remains Strong

The Mariners enter the winter with a five-man mix: Randy Arozarena, Julio Rodríguez, Victor Robles, Luke Raley, and Dominic Canzone. This group brings power, athleticism, and defense, giving Seattle plenty of flexibility in lineups and late-game matchups.

Injuries Shaped the Season’s Outfield Dynamics

Plans for a Robles-Raley platoon fizzled after both players missed significant time. Shoulder, oblique, and back injuries forced the team to shuffle the roster and expand other roles.

This unexpected shift gave Canzone a shot, and he ran with it. The 26-year-old outfielder hit .300 with 11 home runs and a .481 slugging percentage in 82 games, showing surprising poise and power.

Still, the postseason brought some struggles. Robles and Canzone combined for just six hits in 55 plate appearances under playoff pressure.

Offseason Priorities Lie Elsewhere

Dipoto has made it clear: first base and third base top Seattle’s offseason list. Their current budget makes chasing star outfielders unlikely, so any addition would have to fit within a careful salary plan.

Free-Agent Market Options

Fans might dream about stars like Kyle Tucker or Cody Bellinger joining the lineup. But let’s be real—those price tags are probably out of reach for Seattle right now.

Tucker’s steady bat and Bellinger’s versatility would help the offense, no doubt. Still, the cost will likely be too much for the Mariners’ comfort zone.

More realistic targets could include:

• Trent Grisham – Just hit 34 home runs for the Yankees, brings left-handed pop and good defense.
• Harrison Bader – Veteran center fielder, still strong defensively, maybe best as a fourth outfielder now.
• Mark Canha – Disciplined at the plate, can play multiple spots, adds a veteran presence.
• Max Kepler – Good range in right field and has a knack for clutch power.
• Alex Verdugo – Well-rounded outfielder, offers gap power and a reliable glove.
• Hunter Renfroe – Strong arm, real home run threat from the corners.

A Calculated Approach to Roster Building

The Mariners have built a roster that can compete for the postseason. Dipoto’s approach keeps upgrades balanced with financial discipline.

Adding a pricey star now would mean moving a big contract or skipping infield upgrades. That’s a tough call for any front office.

Roster Stability vs. Potential Tweaks

Seattle’s outfield has shown it can produce, especially with Julio Rodríguez leading the way. Getting Robles and Raley healthy will be key to restoring depth and avoiding costly replacements.

Final Thoughts

Heading into the offseason, the Mariners’ outfield looks stable. Still, it’s not exactly off-limits if the right opportunity pops up.

The front office will watch for market deals that make sense and fit bigger roster needs. They’re ready to pivot if something unexpected comes along.

Right now, it seems like Seattle’s got its eye on the infield first. But Mariners fans—don’t blink. Baseball’s winter market? It can flip a depth chart before you even realize it.

 
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