Seattle Mariners: Which of their Free Agents Will Return in 2017?
By Paul Taylor
![Jul 18, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners players, including third baseman Kyle Seager (15, left), right fielder Seth Smith (7, second from left), outfielder Franklin Gutierrez (21, middle) celebrate at home plate following a walk-off homer by first baseman Adam Lind (26, not pictured) against the Chicago White Sox at Safeco Field. Seattle defeated Chicago, 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports Jul 18, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners players, including third baseman Kyle Seager (15, left), right fielder Seth Smith (7, second from left), outfielder Franklin Gutierrez (21, middle) celebrate at home plate following a walk-off homer by first baseman Adam Lind (26, not pictured) against the Chicago White Sox at Safeco Field. Seattle defeated Chicago, 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/344cd9b71389be167637c284f54cfecdaa31ffe316c37517478a14d2275bb4cf.jpg)
Drew Storen
Expected to be a key component of the Toronto Blue Jays’ bullpen, last year was a disaster for Storen. In fact, it turned out to be his worst season since entering the Majors, highlighted by a career-high 5.23 ERA (including 6.21 during his stint in Toronto).
Things improved somewhat, when the 29-year old arrived in Seattle towards the end of July. He recorded a much more respectable ERA of 3.44 in 19 appearances, as he pitched 18.1 innings and went 3-0.
The Mariners have expressed interest in bringing Storen back. However, he projects to sign eleswhere, especially with his preference to return to being a closer, which is highly unlikely to happen in Seattle.
Chance of returning: Low