The Seattle Mariners have made it clear early in the offseason that first base is a priority to address in free agency.
Mariners general manager Justin Hollander said on MLB Network Radio that the team is looking to add a bat to boost production over at first base. Just a few days later, Christian Walker has been identified as preferred target.
According to Ryan Divish and Adam Jude of The Seattle Times, Walker has been “at the top of the wish list since the start of the offseason.” Last season in Arizona, he hit .251 with 26 home runs and 84 RBI.
It’s clear Walker would provide the Mariners with a boost over at first base. His presence would allow the team to play Luke Raley in the outfield. They finished 22nd in MLB last season with 642 RBI, so run production is something the team is desperate to find.
Walker is one of two prolific first baseman in free agency this offseason. However, Divish and Jude highlight one problem.
“Industry projections expect Walker to sign a multi-year deal with an annual value between $20 million to $25 million,” wrote Divish and Jude. “As things stand, Mariners have about $15 million available in their 2025 budget, sources have told The Times.”
Walker’s market value currently sits right in the middle of that projection mentioned above. This puts the Mariners in a position where they either have to (at least temporarily) go above their budget to sign Walker.
Hollander has a tough decision to make in that regard, but he will need to act quickly if he wants to ensure his top target ends up with the Mariners.