“Mariners’ Deadline Dilemma: 5 Potential Third Base Targets to Fill the Void”

**Mariners’ Infield Upgrades: A Look at Potential Options on the Market and the Trade Block**

The Seattle Mariners have made it clear that they intend to bolster their infield mix this winter, with a focus on upgrading the corners of the infield. While they have some promising young talent at second base in Cole Young, they will likely need to bring in a veteran presence to man the hot corner and perhaps first base. Here, we’ll examine some potential options for the Mariners in free agency and on the trade market to address their infield deficiencies.

**First Base**

The Mariners have long been associated with veteran re-signing Justin Turner, who they helped strengthen their first base unit in the past. Pairing him with left-handed hitter Luke Reilly could be a solid combination. In addition to Turner, the Mariners could also consider other veteran free agents like Mark Canha and Anthony Rizzo, who could provide a boost at the plate. Meanwhile, trade targets like Yandy Diaz, Luis Arraez, and Lamont Wade Jr. could also be attractive options if the Mariners are willing to part with trade capital.

**Third Base**

Third base is a more complicated position for the Mariners to fill this winter. While there are theoretically a few players who could fill the spot, Alex Bregman and Nolan Arenado are out of the Mariners’ price range. Another potential trade candidate, Eugenio Suarez, doesn’t seem like a good fit, as the Mariners traded him away in the offseason. Josh Rojas, who the Mariners used at third base last year, is the only free agent option that offers a clear upgrade, but his $1.75 million guarantee is out of Seattle’s budget.

Given the limited in-house options and the club’s tight budget, the Mariners will likely need to turn to a veteran free agent or a trade to fill the hole. Here are some options to consider:

### Free Agent Options

#### Kim Ha Sung

* The 29-year-old Korean infielder is the best free agent option available, with a 106 wRC+ over the past three seasons and impressive defense at the infield. He is expected to receive a relatively affordable one-year deal worth $12 million, but may be offered a multi-year deal depending on the market. While it’s easy to imagine Korean getting a deal that exceeds the Mariners’ budget, he has played more games at shortstop and second base than third base in his career. Given Justice Crawford’s presence at shortstop, it’s unlikely the Mariners will trade for a player who wants to become a regular shortstop.

#### Paul DeJong

* DeJong, 31, was a quality anchor at shortstop early in his career and was even an All-Star in 2019. He has a respectable 25%+ wRC at shortstop or third base and should be a relatively affordable option for the Mariners this winter. However, the club may not be interested, given their desire for a contact-oriented approach and DeJong’s 32.4% strikeout rate last year.

#### Juan Moncada

* Moncada would be an interesting candidate for the Mariners’ third base job. He had an up-and-down career with the White Sox before injuries derailed him, but has impressive wRC+ results during that time. However, his improving strikeout numbers might give the Mariners pause.

#### Jose Iglesias

* Iglesias is having a career year with the Mets, slashing .337/.381/.448 (137 wRC+) in 291 plate appearances. He’s a veteran infielder who could attract other clubs, but the Mariners could differentiate themselves by offering him a regular role. However, Iglesias’ impressive 2023 performance may not be sustainable, and he’s inexperienced at third base.

### Trade Candidates

#### Alec Bohm

* Bohm stands out on this list, in part because clubs have reportedly expressed interest in him this winter. However, the Phillies have reportedly asked for a hefty price (either Logan Gilbert or George Kirby) for Bohm’s services, which may be out of the Mariners’ budget. Nevertheless, Bohm could be a good fit for the Mariners, given his respectable .280/.332/.448 (115 wRC+) last season and low strikeout rate.

#### Willy Castro

* Castro, 28, has only started 48 games at third base in his career but is a super utility player with experience at shortstop and second base. He has shown impressive production with the Twins since joining, and the Mariners shouldn’t have any difficulty affording his expected $6.2 million arbitration salary.

#### Brett Baty

* Baty, 25, is the least experienced of the trade candidates but also has a large prospect pedigree. He appears in just 169 MLB games, but has a strong prospect lineage and offensive potential. He may just be what the Mariners need if they can’t find a more reliable veteran option in free agency or on the trade market.

**FAQ**

* Q: What are the Mariners’ top priorities for the infield this offseason?
+ A: The Mariners have expressed a desire to strengthen their infield mix, particularly at first base and third base.
* Q: Who are some potential free agents for the Mariners to target at first base?
+ A: Veterans like Mark Canha and Anthony Rizzo, as well as up-and-coming players like Yandy Diaz and Lamont Wade Jr.
* Q: Who are some trade candidates for the Mariners to consider at third base?
+ A: Alec Bohm, Willy Castro, and Brett Baty are among the potential targets.

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**Conclusion**

The Mariners will have a tough time finding a suitable third baseman on the free agent market given their tight budget. They may need to turn to the trade market to address their infield needs. With players like Alec Bohm and Willy Castro available, the Mariners can find a suitable option to fill the hole. The club’s decision-making will ultimately depend on their budget and priorities for the upcoming season.

This article provides an in-depth look at various options the Mariners can consider to bolster their infield play. It offers guidance on potential free agents and trade candidates, as well as a step-by-step approach for evaluating the situation. By examining the strengths and weaknesses of each option, the Mariners can make an informed decision that will help them compete in the American League West.

The Mariners’ infield mix is a priority this offseason, and they will need to be strategic in their approach to fill the holes at first base and third base. With the options presented here, the team can make an informed decision that will shape the direction of their organization for years to come.