The Mariners aren’t exactly in the best position. In fact, according to FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal, Seattle is downright desperate.
Seattle isn’t considered an attractive option for free-agent sluggers because of the team’s reputation, the large dimensions of Safeco Field and the mere fact that it’s located in the Pacific Northwest — far away from home for many Latin American players. The Mariners are still trying to make a splash this offseason, though, and Rosenthal reports that the club is interested in first baseman Mike Napoli.
Napoli has expressed a desire to remain in Boston, but the Red Sox could face competition from the Mariners, who — while perhaps an unattractive option to most — seem desperate enough to do just about anything. As Rosenthal notes, Seattle could offer Napoli a three-year deal, which Boston might consider to be too lengthy of a commitment.
Napoli isn’t the only player on the Mariners’ wish list. According to Rosenthal, the Mariners are interested — to varying degrees — in free agents Jacoby Ellsbury, Shin Soo-Choo, Carlos Beltran and Nelson Cruz. ESPN’s Buster Olney also reports that the Mariners are targeting Beltran and Cruz.
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