The Seattle Mariners are coming into the 2014 season with high expectations after signing Robinson Cano to a record contract and after Taijuan Walker came down with an injury in spring training, the team could look to go after free agents Ervin Santana and Kendrys Morales to add another pitcher and bat to the roster.
The Mariners were rumored to be in the mix for Santana earlier in the offseason, but that talked cooled once it got closer to spring training and Seattle was one of many teams that did not want to give up a draft pick as compensation, but that could change now with the Walker injury. The Mariners had hoped that Walker could win a spot on the rotation out of spring training after the young pitcher made his MLB debut last season, but they have shut him down for a week with a shoulder issue and now he could miss the start of the season, according to ESPN.com.
Adding to that, Robinson Cano made comments in a recent interview saying that the Mariners need an "extra bat" and one of the main suggestions was Morales, as he was with the Mariners last season and would not cost the team a draft pick as compensation. The team had reportedly been looking into signing Nelson Cruz, another name suggested by Cano in the offseason, but he signed a couple weeks ago with the Baltimore Orioles on a one year deal after he was seeking a long term contract.
CBS Sports reported on the comments Cano made and he brought up the fact that the team should add a right handed bat since the team is filled with left handed batters. Cano mentioned that the team could have some issues against lefties and that Morales would be a wise move since he has power and also is a switch hitter. The Mariners best power hitters last season were Kyle Seager and Morales and adding him could be a less impactful signing than Santana since he wouldn't cost a draft pick.
Cano mentioned Santana as well and with the Mariners missing Walker and also Hisashi Iwakuma for the start of the season, Santana could be the best option. The Mariners signed Cano to a decade long deal worth $240 million and Santana is looking to get signed after going 9-10 with the Royals last season with a 3.24 ERA and the Blue Jays, Orioles and Rangers have been mentioned as possible teams where he could sign.
