The Seattle Mariners are reportedly finished spending after their big free agency acquisition of ex-Yankee Robinson Cano. Although Seattle is believed to be willing to spend on Tampa Bay Rays pitcher David Price, the pricey Cano signing may doom the Mariners to a losing season, according to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports.
After guaranteeing $240 million over the next 10 years to Cano, Seattle's big splash in free agency may be their only one.
"Club officials are signaling to certain agents and others in the industry that the team is near its payroll limit, though certain exceptions may be made for the right player," Rosenthal wrote on Thursday.
Although Cano is one of the league's top players, he can't win a title on his own. Seattle needs upgrades at several positions, including another starting pitcher and more offensive firepower, to become a serious contender.
If Seattle's payroll is maxed out, those upgrades are unlikely to come.
"If the Mariners are done spending - if they truly are drawing the line after adding Cano and three lesser, oft-injured hitters - then the only thing that can be said about their place is that there was no plan at all," wrote Rosenthal.
In addition to Cano, Seattle brought in Corey Hart, Logan Morrison and Franklin Gutierrez.
Despite a report last week that Seattle was no longer pursuing Price, Fox Sports' MLB sources are saying otherwise. The club is reportedly still in talks with Tampa Bay about a trade for Price, who would be an immediate upgrade in Seattle's pitching rotation.
The San Francisco Giants, Los Angeles Dodgers and Texas Rangers are also reported to be in pursuit of Price.
