Report: Mariners Interested in Mike Napoli, Also Have Jacoby Ellsbury on Wish List

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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