Seattle Mariners Have to Sign Josh Hamilton

The Major League Baseball Winter Meetings have come to a close with no major free-agent signings, including the top free agent in Josh Hamilton. Hamilton is still be looked at by many teams, but there is one team that I think should jump all over a chance at Hamilton in the Seattle Mariners. The Mariners are in desperate need of a boost offensively and in park attendance, and a signing of Hamilton would solve both of those problems.

Hamilton is looking for big money and multiple years with the talent he has, and Seattle has money to spend, and is a team with a young core that could be helped greatly by an offensive force like Hamilton. I know Hamilton has had his problems before and needs a support system. If Seattle were to sign him, hopefully the Mariners can help work on something that will keep Hamilton out of trouble and in their everyday lineup with the likes of Dustin Ackley, Justin Smoak and Kyle Seager.

It would be a huge move for the Mariners to pull something like this off but it is a necessary risk with the talented teams in the American League West. The only way Seattle avoids the cellar of the division is with the addition of the Houston Astros in realignment but if Seattle could sign Hamilton to go with star pitcher Felix Hernandez, it is possible the Mariners could be competitive in 2013. The whole league is waiting on Hamilton’s decision because after it comes, so will a ton of other free agent signings.

Andy Schmidt is a columnist/writer for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter @ASchmidtSports or like his Facebook page.