The Seattle Mariners are reportedly showing interest in signing free agent Carlos Santana. This signing would fill a hole at first base for the Mariners and give the lineup some extra pop. A report by CBS Sports has relayed this news, which should excite a number of Mariners fans who were hoping that the team wasn’t just going to focus on adding pitching during the offseason.

This situation could be one where the Mariners are just checking in with Santana to see how much it would cost to sign him to a short-term contract. If the price ended up being too high, the team could then re-focus its energy on addressing some of the other holes on the roster.

In a best-case scenario, though, Santana could become affordable and want to play with the current Mariners’ roster.

Santana with the Cleveland Indians

During his eight-year career, Carlos Santana has been with the Cleveland Indians the entire time. His 162-game averages have included 25 home runs, 85 RBIs, 83 runs scored, a .249 batting average, and .365 on-base percentage. Santana has never made it to an All-Star team but has always showcased a good skill at getting on base. In each of the last seven seasons, he has had at least 88 walks.

Last season with the Indians, Santana had 23 home runs, 79 RBIs, and a .259 batting average. He had 667 plate appearances in 154 games, showing the durability that he can provide a team.

Santana primarily played at first base, but also saw time as the designated hitter and right fielder for the Indians. Earlier in his career, Santana played a lot of games at catcher for the Indians.

Seattle Mariners offseason

There are quite a few Mariners rumors about what the team is going to do during the 2017 MLB offseason.

One situation the team still has to address is whether or not they are bringing back Yonder Alonso. Alonso was acquired from the Oakland Athletics last season but is now a free agent. He could still be an option at first base if the Mariners don’t sign someone like Carlos Santana or Jay Bruce.

The Mariners also have a problem with starting pitching that needs to be addressed.

Adding Mike Leake was a step in the right direction, but the team could still use an ace at the head of the starting rotation. Names like Jake Arrieta and Yu Darvish are available in free agency, but the cost to sign one of them could be more than $20 million a season. Mariners’ general manager Jerry Dipoto may also look to add a corner outfielder and bullpen arm before next season rolls around.
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