Emerald City Swagger
Fansided

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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
7 of 8
Next
Seattle Mariners
Sep 18, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners right fielder Seth Smith (7) runs the bases after hitting a three run homer against the Houston Astros during the fourth inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /

Seth Smith

A lot of the suspense has been removed from the situation surrounding Smith. Dipoto and other club officials have unofficially admitted they are likely to pick up his $7 million club option for 2017.

Certainly, it makes sense to bring back the 34-year old, who has provided veteran leadership since arriving in Seattle at the end of 2014. Last season saw him play in 137 games and even set a career-high, with 63 RBIs.

However, where it gets interesting, is if the Mariners also bring Nori Aoki back. If this happens, it is conceivable that Smith could end up being used as a trade chip.

Chance of returning: 99.9 percent

Home/Seattle Mariners