Victor Martinez Is Perfect Fit With Seattle Mariners
By Pete Schwichtenberg
@schwick26_pete
Getty Images
The Seattle Mariners surprised last season by contending for a playoff spot up until the final game of the season. While their starting rotation was dominating, their offense was anything but terrifying. Besides Robinson Cano, the lineup lacked any type of bat who opposing pitchers fear. The 2015 rotation looks to be even better with age and experience. Instead of adding a pitcher to the staff, the Mariners would be wise to add Victor Martinez to their lineup.
By adding Martinez, the Mariners would finally have that threat in their everyday lineup who cannot only get on base, but also hit the longball. He put up MVP numbers in 2014, and would be a bat that would instantly make the Mariners a favorite in the AL West. Combining Martinez with Cano, Kyle Seager and the developing Mike Zunino could actually make the Mariners’ offense a force to be reckoned with too.
Last season, Martinez lead the AL in both OB and OBP; he also finished second in the league in both slugging percentage and batting average. His final numbers featured 32 home runs, a .335 batting average and 103 RBIs, all good enough to finish in the top 10 in the AL.
Heading into the winter as one of the best offensive options available, Martinez will not come cheap. However, he is just the player who can change the fortunes of a franchise looking to get back to the postseason in Seattle. Not only has he performed in the regular season, but he also has been a proven postseason player in recent years. He could be a perfect fit to help a young team cope with the grind of another playoff race.
They have been rumored to be willing to make a big move to add a bat, and there would not be a more impactful one than adding Martinez to the fold.
Pete Schwichtenberg is an MLB writer for Rantsports. Follow @schwick26_pete, Like him on Facebook, or add him to your Google Network.
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