We're all focused on the Mariners' current roster as they get set to play in the American League Championship Series, but the offseason will eventually come, and the Mariners will need a first baseman, though it doesn't look like it'll be Pete Alonso at this point.
Make no mistakes. All the focus for the Seattle Mariners is on this current team and its chances of advancing to the World Series for the first time in franchise history. The Mariners open up the American League Championship Series on Sunday night against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre (5:03 p.m. PT).
But eventually, regardless of result, the offseason will come and the M's will have questions to answer. Those questions largely center around the infield as Josh Naylor (1B) and Eugenio Suarez (3B) are set to be free agents. Jorge Polanco also has the ability to become a free agent and seek a multi-year deal.
One name who has been linked to the Mariners in the past is first baseman Pete Alonso, who would fit nicely as a Naylor replacement, should he leave. However, the most recent bit of information on Alonso makes it highly unlikely he ever plays for the M's.
Reports are indicating that Alonso is seeking a seven-year deal in free agency.
Why this doesn't make sense for the Mariners
Alonso is a good player, and an excellent hitter. He hit 38 home runs and drove in 126 for the Mets this season, and he carried a 144 OPS+. That's not the issue. The issue is the seven years. Alonso is about to be 31 years old, and the Mariners likely don't want to tie themselves to a player like him, who doesn't run well and isn't known as a great defender, through his age 38 season.
Furthermore, if Alonso wants seven years, he likely wants more than $200 million. If Seattle were to give out that kind of money, they would want it to be on someone younger, who provides more than just offensive value.
Alternative options
The Mariners would love to bring back Naylor, who is just 28 years old and has been a good addition to their clubhouse. He carried an OPS+ of 128 this season, hitting 20 home runs and driving home 92. He also stole 30 bases and plays solid defense.
While Jerry Dipoto has never given an offensive player more than a two-year deal in free agency, he could be willing to give Naylor four or five.
If not Naylor? Perhaps the Mariners could bring back Polanco and move him to first base. The team wants to keep the middle of the infield open for likes of Colt Emerson, Michael Arroyo and Cole Young.
Up next
Game 1 of the ALCS is set for 5:03 p.m. PT on Sunday. Bryce Miller (SEA) pitches against Kevin Gausman (TOR).
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