The Seattle Mariners signed second baseman Robinson Cano to a record 10-year, $240 million contract last offseason. They're apparently looking to continue their free-agent spending spree and are interested in shortstop Hanley Ramirez and first baseman/designated hitter Victor Martinez.
Seattle missed the playoffs by just one game in 2014 while fighting for contention in the competitive AL West division. They had a shot at the wild-card spot since the Los Angeles Angels ran away with the division late in the season, but they were inched out by the Oakland Athletics and Kansas City Royals. One upgrade could easily push the Mariners into the postseason discussion, which is exactly what they're trying to do this offseason.
According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today and Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports, the Mariners have serious interest in Ramirez, who previously mentioned he wanted a contract in the $130 million range when his agent and the Los Angeles Dodgers were negotiating during the season. As a result, the Dodgers tabled contract talks with the shortstop and have let him explore free agency. It's likely he will not receive a contract for that amount of years or money because of issues with his health and defense. In the past two seasons, Ramirez has only played in 214 games and has had issues with his shoulder, back, hand and hamstring. He's also turning 31 years old in 2015.
Nonetheless, he's still gauging interest. Rosenthal also noted that many doubt the Mariners will make another signing in excess of $100 million, which could affect potential negotiations with Ramirez. The team does have a need at shortstop though, since Brad Miller played the majority of the season there (.221 average with 10 home runs and 36 RBIs) and they don't know what to expect out of 24-year-old Chris Taylor (.287 average with 16 runs scored and 9 RBIs in 47 games).
Seattle is also interested in Victor Martinez, who at 35 years of age is seeking a four-year contract. The switch-hitting first baseman/designated hitter put up career numbers in his final year in Detroit, posting .335/.409/.565 with 32 home runs and 103 RBIs. He led the American League in on-base percentage and OPS (.974). Martinez would fill another void in the Mariners' lineup since they are lacking at both the first baseman and DH positions. Logan Morrison played a lot of first base for them (.262 average with 11 home runs and 38 RBIs) and had a decent season, but nothing overly impressive. Martinez played 35 games at first base for Detroit in 2014, so it looks like he would be a part-time first baseman and mainly take over Kendrys Morales' spot at DH if the Mariners were to sign him. This addition would help Morrison get days off at first base and have him see more pitches during at-bats.
If Seattle were to somehow sign both Ramirez and Martinez to bargain contracts, the two would join a lineup that already consists of Robinson Cano, Kyle Seager and Austin Jackson to go along with the MLB's best ERA.
