It’s a new offseason, but unfortunately, the same old problem persists for the Seattle Mariners: finding a consistent bat behind their star, Julio Rodríguez.
For years now, the Mariners have struggled to fill that elusive three-hole spot in their lineup, which has only dragged down the entire offense. Despite having one of the game’s brightest young stars in Rodríguez, the Mariners haven’t been able to complement him with the power hitter they desperately need to give the offense balance.
Enter Cal Raleigh. The Mariners’ power-hitting catcher has made a name for himself as one of the league’s premier power threats from behind the plate. But, as promising as Raleigh’s power numbers are, it’s still not enough to create a formidable lineup. The Mariners are in search of that consistent run producer—someone who can hit for both power and average to bolster the middle of the order.
Failed Attempts: Mitch Garver and a Missed Opportunity
Last offseason, the Mariners made an attempt to fill this hole with Mitch Garver, a former catcher turned designated hitter who had a solid 2023 with the Texas Rangers. Unfortunately, Garver’s 2024 campaign was a disaster, with a performance that failed to live up to expectations, leaving the Mariners once again in a bind when it comes to supporting Rodríguez in the lineup.
With their offensive struggles continuing, the Mariners can’t afford to miss again. They must do better this winter.
Christian Walker: The Right Fit for Seattle’s Three-Hole
A recent prediction offers some much-needed hope for Mariners fans. Matt Johnson of Sportsnaut speculated that Seattle could land Christian Walker, the 34-year-old first baseman formerly of the Arizona Diamondbacks. Walker, who has emerged as one of the premier power hitters in the league over the past two seasons, could be the perfect answer to the Mariners’ three-hole dilemma.
Since 2022, Walker has smacked 95 home runs and posted a consistent offensive line, with an OPS, wRC+, OBP, and home run totals that rival some of the best hitters in the game. What makes him even more appealing is his Gold Glove defense at first base, which would provide stability and leadership to Seattle’s infield.
The Financial Fit: Mariners Avoiding the Big Splurge
In an offseason where financial uncertainty looms large for many teams—including Seattle—the Mariners are looking for a player who can help them immediately but won’t come with the hefty price tag that would sink their payroll for years to come. This is where Walker stands out from other high-profile free agents like Pete Alonso, who could command a $200 million deal.
As Johnson notes, “Christian Walker is the better option,” offering much of the same offensive production as Alonso but without the astronomical contract demands. Walker’s projected three-year, $72 million contract—a deal that falls well below what Alonso would fetch—makes him an attractive alternative for a Mariners team that needs a reliable bat without overcommitting financially.
A Much-Needed Spark for the Mariners’ Offense
With Seattle coming off another season of offensive underperformance, the Mariners desperately need to find that impact bat. Walker offers more than just home run power—his Gold Glove-caliber defense at first base would instantly improve a Mariners defense that has been solid but could use another strong presence in the field.
The Mariners have long been on the hunt for a solid contributor to protect Rodríguez, and it appears Christian Walker could be the perfect answer. If Seattle is able to sign him, the addition of Walker would bring not only power but also the stability the team needs to take a significant step forward in 2025.
With free agency moving quickly, the Mariners could soon make a splash and land the big bat they’ve been waiting for. Whether or not they can secure Walker’s services could be a turning point for a team that’s desperately looking to put together a playoff-caliber offense around their superstar, Julio Rodríguez.
