The Seattle Mariners once held a 10-game lead in the American League West. Now, with nine games remaining on the schedule, they trail the Houston Astros by five games.
This offseason, they may be in the market for a major offensive upgrade. Their pitching staff has been among the best in all of Major League Baseball, but their offense has let them down this season.
New York Mets slugger Pete Alonso is set to enter free agency this coming offseason, and Jon Heyman of the New York Post listed the Mariners as a possible fit.
"If not the Mets, the Astros, Rangers, Mariners, Orioles, Padres and Cubs all work," Heyman wrote.
The Mariners had to ultimately let go of Ty France, who struggled offensively. After France was claimed by the Cincinnati Reds, the Mariners were left with a bit of a void at the first base position.
They are a team that doesn't always spend big money in free agency, so it remains to be seen if this is how they will approach the offseason. But Alonso would significantly boost their offense.
The Mets slugger is hitting .246 with 34 home runs, 87 RBI, and an .807 OPS. Adding him next to Julio Rodriguez, Cal Raleigh and Randy Arozarena might give the Mariners the offensive boost they need to give the Astros a run for their money next season.
Heyman notes that a rival executive predicts Alonso will land a deal as high as $185 million and possibly more. If the Mariners do try to sign him, they'll be departing from their usual business model and stepping out of their comfort zone.
But if they want to bolster their offense, this might be the right call. We'll see if they decide to pursue Alonso.
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