The Mariners welcomed the 2014 MLB home run leader, Nelson Cruz, on Monday with a four-year, $58 million contract. The team is still in need of an everyday outfielder, so the signing of Cruz does not indicate they're done signing players this offseason.
Over the past three offseasons the Mariners have handed out three contracts in excess of $100 million: Felix Hernandez ($175 million) in 2012, Robinson Cano ($240 million) in 2013 and Kyle Seager ($100 million) this offseason. The 34-year-old Cruz will earn an average annual salary of $14.5 million, which, when finalized, is expected to bump their payroll in the $90 million range for 2015. Will the team sign another outfielder with their decent financial flexibility heading into next season?
According to Bob Dutton of the Tacoma News Tribune, the Mariners' next priority is to acquire a right fielder because Cruz is more suited to play the designated hitter position on a consistent basis. Dutton believes two of the most likely free agent options include Torii Hunter and Alex Rios, while Matt Kemp is still lingering thanks to the team's trade talks with the Los Angeles Dodgers. With the Royals, Twins, Rangers and Orioles among clubs interested in Hunter, the M's could opt to avoid more market competition and turn to Rios or Kemp.
Rios had his $13.5 million option for 2015 declined by the Texas Rangers and isn't garnering much interest thus far into the offseason. In 2013, the 33-year-old batted .278 with 18 home runs, 81 RBIs and 42 stolen bases, but witnessed a decline in his power numbers when he hit only four home runs and 54 RBIs in 2014. However, this could have been a direct result of the countless injuries the Rangers roster suffered this past season (Prince Fielder, Shin-Soo Choo, Jurickson Profar and others). If the Mariners were to add Rios among Cano, Seager and Cruz, he could perhaps provide an offensive boost.
As for Kemp, the 30-year-old has five years and $107 million remaining on his contract. The Dodgers are looking to get rid of one of their costly outfielders (Kemp, Carl Crawford or Andre Ethier) and the Mariners might be willing to take a gamble on Kemp, who rebounded in 2014 after two consecutive injury-shortened seasons. He batted .287 with 25 home runs and 89 RBIs in 150 games compared to 29 home runs and 102 RBIs in his previous 179 games. Kemp might be the first outfielder on the Dodgers to be traded since he's the most expensive and plays centerfield (where they are trying to make room for prospect sensation Joc Pederson).
"The sticking point in such a deal appears to be Los Angeles' insistence that either right-hander Taijuan Walker or lefty James Paxton be included in any deal," writes Dutton. "The Mariners believe they have sufficient payroll flexibility to add Kemp even after signing Cruz and reaching a new deal with Seager, but the Dodgers are now drawing increased interest in Kemp from the Orioles."
Seattle had the second best ERA (3.17) in the MLB last season so it's unknown if they're willing to part with any starters who helped maintain that aspect of their game. Kemp would be a great addition though, joining the Mariners' core with Hernandez, Cano, Seager and Cruz for the next four-plus seasons.
ESPN's Buster Olney thinks Seattle might as well pursue Melky Cabrera or Nick Markakis. Those options are interesting too.
