Seattle Mariners: Which of their Free Agents Will Return in 2017?

By Paul Taylor | Nov 3, 2016

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 /

8 of 8

Mar 14, 2016; Salt River Pima-Maricopa, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners right fielder Nori Aoki (8) looks on during the first inning in a spring training game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports /

Nori Aoki

With the Mariners set to bring Smith back, this could have huge ramifications for what Aoki does. Let’s just say the Japanese outfielder was extremely frustrated by his limited role in 2016.

Heading into September, there seemed little chance of Aoki returning to Seattle. However, he then finished the season with a flurry, hitting three homers and 12 RBIs, while batting .371.

However, despite the 34-year old’s fast finish, it doesn’t change how he performed for the majority of the season. Combined with the Smith factor and Aoki’s desire to feature more, the chances are he will go elsewhere.

Chance of returning: Low

Next: Should the Mariners re-sign Dae-Ho Lee?

Now it’s your turn – put yourself in Jerry Dipoto’s position. Which of the Mariners’ eligible free agents would you most attempt to re-sign and who would you willingly allow to leave? Let us know in the comments section below.

Home/Seattle Mariners