In the Pacific Northwest, the story of the Seattle Mariners’ frantic hunt for offense is becoming an old one.
The Mariners never seem to be able to field a strong lineup, no matter what they attempt. Millions have been spent on free agents who haven’t performed at the plate, and T-Mobile Park is like a tractor beam that deprives batters of their skills the moment they enter the batter’s box.
But the Mariners are unable to give up. All it will take for this Seattle club to eventually become a serious title contender is for one of their signings to finally make an impact. They have what is probably the strongest starting rotation in the sport.
The Mariners haven’t had a first baseman with pop since Richie Sexson, but this winter’s addition may be just that. Christian Walker, a slugger for the Arizona Diamondbacks, is expected to sign a three-year contract with Seattle, according to a prediction made by Jim Bowden of The Athletic on Friday.
“The Mariners sign first baseman Christian Walker (three years, $72 million), improving offensively and defensively at the position,” Bowden stated.
With 95 home runs in 447 games over the past three seasons, Walker has quietly emerged as one of the sport’s most underappreciated power threats. If he hadn’t missed 30 games in the last stretch, right when he was starting to take off, his season total of 26 home runs may have been greater.
Hitters are beginning to realize how hard it is to produce at their home park, which puts Seattle in a terrible situation. Walker, who turns 34 the following season, will want to sign one more huge contract, and Seattle might be able to provide him with the financial stability he needs to give up some of his power stats.
