Seattle Mariners Offseason Prediction–Realistic Version

Jun 6, 2013; Seattle, WA, USA; New York Yankees right fielder

(31) hits a RBI single against the Seattle Mariners during the 3rd inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

Seattle Mariners Offseason Prediction: 4th Outfielder

Ichiro/ Endy Chavez: 1 years, $3 million

If someone told you the Mariners could have a .284/.324/.340 slashline in right field, you take that in a heart beat. That would be the best hitting from RF since, well, Ichiro.

Yeah, it would be awesome to trade for an elite outfielder such as Matt Kemp or Justin Upton to play every day. But with the signing of Cruz, it’s unlikely the Mariners will bring in a $20 million/year type contract, unless they are able to get the Dodgers or Braves to pay off a large part of those salaries.

And even at 41, he would still have the most range, and possibly even the best outfield arm on the roster. If he can hit at pace similar to what he did last year, he would be among the Mariners best hitters as well. You would expect a power hitter’s numbers to go down significantly while going from playing in New York to Safeco, but not a player like Ichiro.

Hopefully Ichiro would be the fourth outfielder, with Michael Saunders, Dustin Ackley and Austin Jackson playing 5-6 days a week. But unfortunately, Jack Zduriencik seems set on getting rid of Saunders, who I would say is the Mariners best hitter after Kyle Seager and Robinson Cano.

Chavez put up similar numbers to Ichiro, but slightly lower. They both would be good clubhouse guys, but let’s be honest. Who doesn’t want to see Ichiro playing as a Mariner again?

Next up: Starting Pitcher