The Seattle Mariners landed the biggest blow in free agency last offseason when they signed second baseman Robinson Cano away from the Yankees to a 10-year, $250 million deal. The success that followed may spur them to double down on free agent signings, and chase shortstop Hanley Ramirez and first baseman/designated hitter Victor Martinez.
Moving from hitter-friendly Yankee Stadium to Safeco Field didn't hinder Cano's production much-he experienced a power outage for much of the season's early months, but finished 2014 with a .314 average, 14 home runs and 82 RBI.
Cano was the only Mariner with an average above .300 though, and only two teammates, third baseman Kyle Seager and catcher Mike Zunino approached his impact at the plate. The lack of protection also landed Cano in the Top 4 of intentional walks with 20.
That is why Ramirez is their top target this offseason.
Sources: #Mariners interested in Hanley. Some, however, doubt team will make another $100M+ signing. One source says VMart is M's priority.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) November 10, 2014
Ramirez managed to play in just 128 games last year for the Los Angeles Dodgers, marking the second consecutive season he's missed significant time because of injury. He is also 30 years old, showing signs of decline defensively and on the base paths, and will likely command a deal worth more than $100 million.
The reason he will get that kind of money is that he's still producing at an elite level when he's on the field. In 2013 he slashed .345/.402/.638 in 86 games with 20 home runs and 10 stolen bases. He also puts up power numbers at shortstop, where their two young options Brad Miller and Nick Franklin each bombed last year.
A fallback option for the M's could be Martinez, although he is older, has less positional flexibility, and won't be much cheaper because he is coming off a career-year. In 2013 Martinez hit .335 with a career-best 32 home runs.
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