Top 5 Offseason Needs For Seattle Mariners

Seattle had a historically great bullpen, including a pair of talented left-handers in Charlie Furbush and Joe Beimel. Beimel’s success was unexpected, as he wasn’t on a Major League roster the previous two seasons. He’s set to become a free agent, though; and at 37, it’s unlikely he will repeat his success. Similarly, Furbush is set for a raise through arbitration, so the Mariners may elect to go a younger or cheaper route.

The Mariners appear to be loaded in the rotation, with Felix Hernandez, Hisashi Iwakuma, James Paxton and Roenis Elias all expected to produce in 2015. Top prospect Taijuan Walker also impressed down the stretch, and could be a factor next season. Seattle will likely re-sign Chris Young, who enjoyed a career resurgence in 2014. If Young opts to go elsewhere, Seattle may look to another veteran as a stop-gap until Walker or Hultzen are ready.

Mike Zunino was a critical piece of Seattle’s success in 2014, and he’s already regarded as one of the best defensive catchers in the game. His power could also propel him to All-Star status in the future, but he struggles to make consistent contact. Seattle turned to Jesus Sucre to back up Zunino last year, but Sucre also struggled at the plate. Bringing in a veteran backstop who can swing the stick will be vital in keeping Zunino fresh.

Logan Morrison moved from the outfield to first base after he returned from a midseason injury, and he hit well enough to earn a spot in Seattle’s future. Justin Smoak and Kendrys Morales did not, however, and both players will likely be gone. At the very least, Seattle needs a defensively-capable player at first base that will give manager Lloyd McClendon the flexibility to employ Morrison as a DH or emergency outfielder on occasion.

Although the Mariners made huge strides in 2014, their offense was still the Achilles’ heel of the team. Robinson Cano and Kyle Seager are both elite, but Seattle desperately needs a right-handed bat to insert between the two lefties in the lineup, as Corey Hart failed. This big bat could be provided by a first baseman, DH or corner outfielder, but the production at the plate is much more crucial than the performance in the field for this spot.