Per Robert Murray of Fansided, the Mariners have expressed interest in free agent shortstop Trevor Story. This comes in addition to earlier reports that Kris Bryant had also drawn their attention. Evidently, their recent acquisitions of second baseman Adam Frazier (from the Padres) and 2021 AL Cy Young winner Robbie Ray (who they gave a five-year, $115MM deal) hasn’t slaked Seattle’s interest in acquiring a big-ticket bat to anchor a lineup set to lose longtime third baseman Kyle Seager.
The M’s had previously been linked to Story, though Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times suggested a few weeks ago they’d have preferred to utilize him as a second baseman (where he’d have paired with incumbent shortstop J.P. Crawford, one of a small handful of shortstop with defensive chops that compare to Story’s) in an effort to keep his throwing arm healthy. With the arrival of Frazier, this option is presumably off the table, though it’s possible that the Mariners could also ask him to play third. Buster Olney of ESPN reported last night that he’d also heard buzz regarding Seattle hoping to sign a third baseman, listing Story, Bryant, and Carlos Correa (another stellar defender who’d have to move off short) as possibilities.
With a lockout almost certainly only a few hours away, it’s looking increasingly likely that Story will have to wait until the labor dispute is resolved before signing, though that would hardly rule the Mariners out. They headed into the offseason with only $14.65MM in guaranteed 2022 contracts on the books (a number expected to reach only about $40MM after accounting for arbitration salaries) and a young squad that had playoff aspirations headed into the season’s final week. Though the signing of Ray obviously sends their payroll number northward, they should have room for at least one more major signing — and quite possibly more.
Indeed, with money to spend and a talented squad, the future is likely bright in Seattle. Beyond Seager and starter Yusei Kikuchi, the Mariners will return all of their major contributors from 2021. They should also be able to count on a greater contribution from 2020 Rookie of the Year Kyle Lewis — who was limited to 36 games after a deep bone bruise suffered in Spring Training held him out for the season’s first month and a meniscus tear ended his season a bit over a month later — and will look forward to the graduation of several members of their stacked farm system (No. 2 in the bigs, per MLB Pipeline), including outfielder Julio Rodriguez (behind only Adley Rutschman in MLB Pipeline’s Top 100).
Though he’ll fall well short of the $325MM commitment the Rangers gave to Corey Seager, Story would still cost the Mariners a pretty penny. MLBTR predicts he’ll get a six-year deal with a $126MM guarantee, which would make him and Ray the Mariners’ highest-paid players on an annual basis by more than $15MM each.
As with any player who’s spent his career at Coors Field, Story’s home/road splits are an essential evaluative caveat. His career OPS at Coors Field (.972) dwarfs his OPS on the road (.752). Story’s park-adjusted OPS+ numbers — 103 in 2021, 112 for his career — suggest a strong hitter, but they don’t quite match a player with a career line of .272/.340/.523. He’s also entering his age-29 season and coming off an elbow injury that cut into his power numbers in 2021, so decline is likely to be a serious concern to any team considering handing Story a long-term deal.
mcslims
No! I do not like this Story!
Larry Bernandez 1324IM
Tough titty said the kitty
802Ghost
But the milks still good!
Please, Hammer. Don't hurt 'em.
Where is Correa going to sign? I thought Tigers but they have Baez. Rangers don’t need him anymore. The Astros won’t pay. I don’t thi k Dodgers either after keeping Taylor. Once Story goes, how many places are left? Maybe New York? I don’t think they pay either. Any guesses? I’m super interested. It looks like the top free agent is almost being left out.
trout27
I think Correa could end up taking a 2-3 year contract for big money and still have a chance to get a large contract at age 29.
17dizzy
Correa is going to the Cubs!!!
raincity33
I’ve heard the Yankees, Cubs, Mariners and maybe St.louis and Philly. I think the Yankees would like to get story cuz he’s way cheaper since they have some big contracts still. Correa is much younger than story and Bryant, healthier, better defense, better offense, faster than both, and has proven to hit at any ballpark. Bryant and story in my opinion are already trending the wrong way a little
gary7971
By Baseball Reference lifetime Story is 112 OPS+, Correa 137, Bryant 132. Story strikes out kajillions of times and treats a walk like a lethal injection of Cobra venom. He may well be a better player overall, granted. Also the Mariner’s stadium is death to flying things. As a Mariner fan I’d be pleased if they avoided him.
Gothamcityriddler
Shiver me timbers. Ahahahaha!
TalkingBaseball
Why not Story AND Bryant?
dannycore
You could probably get them both for the price of one Corey Seager
AlienBob
I think Correa’s price is going to come down and he is going to run out of options,
Rsox
In theory he is already out of options. Unless the Dodgers or Angels decide they have a couple of hundred million to burn there are no big money teams to jump in. The Yankees are in Andrelton Simmons territory (they also signed Jose Peraza, yeah it’s come to that). So unless the Astros feel generous to outbid themselves or the Phillies make a desperation signing i don’t know where Correa goes
solaris602
That’s what I’ve been thinking the past few weeks. What really is Correa’s market at this point? Is Cashman playing possum with the intention of signing him after the lockout? Dodgers and Angels not likely at the current asking price. Detroit and TEX got their guys. Mets backed up the Brinks truck for Lindor, so no need there. SEA can do it if he’ll play 3B. Aside from that I can see HOU waiting it out and signing him for maybe 6/180. Gonna be interesting.
AlienBob
I think Seattle could move Adam Frazier to LF and play Correa at 2B. Toro would be at 3B. Or do it the other way around with Toro in LF.
bucsfan0004
Correa overplayed his hand.
J leathal86
Maybe the Orioles can sign Correa to start there rebuild lol
trout27
He will never be signed by the Dodgers because of his role in the cheating scandal in 2017. The Angels won’t have payroll space for another big contract with Trout, Rendon and a possible Ohtani extension. Those three will probably earn 120 mil. for the next several years.
baumann
The Tigers are going to pull a Rangers and sign Correa, with Baez playing 2B; or Correa 3B, Baez SS, and Tork at 1B.
AvidAstrosFan
naw….. still a lot of teams in the mix for elite.
AvidAstrosFan
That is complete crazy talk….. Correa or JP Crawford would go to 3rd and Toro would be utility IF like he did for the Astros. You would never put someone with an arm like either of those guys at 2nd base.
kodiak920
Good point.
MartialArtisan
Now you’re Talking, Baseball.
FargoMonkey
I can’t see why not!
802Ghost
So where does Frazier play if the M’s sign Story?
dannycore
Story plays 3rd. Or Frazier plays 3rd. Or Frazier turns into a utility player.
Larry Bernandez 1324IM
Story at third, Frazier at second. Dipoto said today that Toro will get reps in the outfield next spring.
802Ghost
Interesting.
rocky7
Why would Story sign to play 3rd….and why would the M’s want to commit major bucks who has pedigree as a SS not anything else?
Its not automatic that All Star players can maintain yheir allstar status at a different position.
Tomahawk Takeover
A SS glove/arm and a 3rd base bat is never a bad combo. That kind of athleticism will transfer just fine to 3rd base. It’s not like their asking a hulking 3rd baseman to move to SS. You’d have a great point if that were the scenario.
trout27
It worked just fine with Manny Machado. If you can play GG quality SS then you can play anywhere.
baseball101
SS is a much more physically demanding position then 3rd is. I don’t see any issue with story making a transition to 3rd. also he still has the + hit ability to be a great 3rd baseman
raincity33
Amen! They obviously have never played any sports and d know what an athlete is lol
Gk_holiday
Corner OF, Utility IF, DH
bearproof
Frazier cost very little to acquire…he’s not going to be blocking anyone. He’s insurance.
Vizionaire
hope diputo signs him. there will be a bad end of this story!
Baseball 1600
Story is one of my personal favorite players and honestly I think he’s underrated at this point. Would love to see the Giants snag him since they were already considering Semien at 2B and Story could do the same. Would be especially good if he’s seeking a 1 year pillow deal like Thor
Ignorant Son-of-a-b
What about Abraham Toro? Poor guy doesn’t have a position now. 1B – France, 2B – Frazier, SS – Crawford, 3B – Story. Okay maybe Toro in LF.
shyzer
Dipoto said today that Toro will take OF reps in spring training
twitter.com/CoreyBrockMLB/status/14661775961403719…
Larry Bernandez 1324IM
Yep! He could be this teams Mark Mclemore
trout27
Doesn’t Seattle already have a set outfield with Lewis, Kelenic and Haniger?
trout27
Plus Julio Rodriguez will be ready for the jump soon.
stpbaseball
there’s still hope for Taylor Trammell too. too soon to give up on him I think. solid 4th outfielder
raincity33
Lewis will mostly DH because he’s so injury prone and haniger will DH some as well. right now they have fraley or Moore starting in LF unless Toro, Frazier step up or until Julio gets called up
Phil253
I still think Bryant is our guy and the one the m’s need to go after more than Story. In the event that the m’s could land both Bryant and Story you could see Frazier and Story alternate at 2nd with either Bryant, Story, or France platooning DH duties on any given day. Kelenic has shown improvement with his bat, but Lewis had better be starting in CF when the season begins, he’s a liability there. Toro and Frazier could become your super utility players in this event. Dylan Moore and Luis Torrens would both become redundant and would be good players to trade for relievers.
Gk_holiday
Dipoto has said he isn’t counting on Lewis to be ready to start next year. “Anything we get out of Kyle Lewis in 2022 will be a bonus.”
Phil253
I forgot that tidbit.
FargoMonkey
That’s exactly how I see it as well.
I think it’s a real possibility that’s exactly how things shake out, or at least that’s what the plan is.
Of course, with other teams also trying to get these players, it could end up far different, but my guess is the plan is something along those lines.
Both Story and Bryant could be added, we have the money and the need in the lineup, and the Frazier trade only added flexibility, he doesn’t necessarily block second base or any other position.
Frazier would look good in left field or even as a super utility guy who you could pencil into the lineup every day.
raincity33
I’m 100% right with you! we still need to recoup seagers lost 30HR 90RBI and not so much average. so just to get back to where our horrible offense was last year we need to get someone with 30 and 90 and then we need to get another stud with similar numbers and then add Frazier and we have a real legit contender
SodoMojo90
Except it was 35 and 100
raincity33
Toro has to be utility right now until he can legit prove he can put consistent numbers. if he’s our everyday 3B then we’re taking a step back
Benjamin560
Sign everybody! Worry about roster shuffling a trades later.
Story at 3B
Suzuki in OF
Frazier and Toro fill in the gaps.
Allknowingone
It is time for the annual Mariners spending spree to get to 8 games over .500 before a tear down and sell off 2 years later. This once proud franchise has become pathetic. They don’t get the credit but the M’s were the first Moneyball Team. They were the first team to 1) build through the draft- Ken Griffey Jr., Tino Martinez, Edgar Martinez, Arod 2) Trade veterans at the deadline for prospects- Randy Johnson, Jay Buhner 3) Sign the right guys other teams didnt want-Joey Cora, Norm Charlton, Mike Blowers, Felix Fermin- they got each for the league minimum. That was the Mariner way when they were successful. Billy Beane gets all the credit but what he really did was copy the Mariners.
A'sfaninUK
The Mariners absolutely were not the first to trade veterans at the deadline for prospects, that’s a lie.
Everyone wants the A’s to go away, but the Mariners deserve contraction way more, just a truly pathetic org from top to bottom. Jerry Dipoto is a scam artist.
rhymeoftheancientmariner
At least they have a ballpark that didn’t have football teams stomping through the infield. Ya blimey bloak.
AlienBob
The A’s better get that stadium at Howard Terminal built quickly after the CBA gets finalized or they are going to be playing in a ballpark with slot machines in the lobby.
crazybaseballgal
So the Port of Oakland has been backed up for years. It sometimes takes a trucker 6-8 hours to pick up a container and that was happening well before the current supply issues. Traffic mitigation is key.
Slothcliff Hokum
A’sFanInUK, I get it, sure. You’re an A’s fan so you want the Mariners to go away. I’m a Mariners fan, but I don’t want the A’s to go away… I want the Mariners to keep on kicking their butts. Next summer should be fun in the Emerald City!
crazybaseballgal
Two two sweeps of the A’s at the end of the season were delicious. Oh, and screw Cole Irvin
Mariners77
Well, let me remind you that Omar Vizquel was traded for Felix Fermin…. that wasn’t real brilliant!
nonchalanto
That’s because the M’s had this kid named Alex Rodriguez
BuddyBoy
Mariners traded Buhner for prospects?
cdouglas24000
Did someone forget the honey?? Who brought the good news bear out of the woods? Must kill at dinner parties.
dsett75
They actually traded Vizquel for Fermin straight up. Both were anemic hitters at the time. Vizquel went on to figure it out though. Idky, but I clearly remember that trade for some reason and I’m a Tigers fan.
A'sfaninUK
Fairly sure a team will sign Story for 6+ years to play SS, he’d pick that team over a team that wants to shoehorn him in wherever
ArmChairGM-
Story had an astounding 18 expected HRs.
The avg is like 3-5.
He very easily could have had like 10 more HRs. Which would have greatly increased his entire stat line.
BA/OBP/SLG/OPS/OPS+
He’s under rated.
Whoever gets him will probably see a huge year from him next year.
foppert
How does that work ? What factors are at play with the “expected” HR ?
Fred Park
Good. I needed to be reminded that players can still be signed after the lockout.
I hate to see this bargaining impasse. I just hate it.
JeffreyChungus
But is Story interested in the Mariners? It would surely be a Storybook ending if they had mutual attraction
rxbrgr
*looks up the definition of ‘slaked’*
holy crap
Lefty_Orioles_Fan
Boohoo!!!!!
Hitters go to Seattle to die
Instead go to Charm City
Gk_holiday
That’s the old narrative my friend. Recent history suggests otherwise.
Benjamin560
Tell that to John Olerud, Bret Boone, Ichiro. All those hitters were free agents that chose to sign with Seattle and flourish. Seattle whooped Oakland so bad this season they fell apart and broke. Now they’re gonna move the team to Vegas or Portland. Good for them.
SodoMojo90
They won’t be allowed to move to Portland. The Mariners own the regional rights. It would cost an unbelievable amount of money to pay the Mariners for the regional rights.The M’s would also have to agree to sell it which is not happening. Giving that up, means giving up money in the long run. Thats not realistic. Portland is not happening. Plus they have one of the largest TV deals in sports. I believe top three. And the state of Oregon is part of that
skrockij89
Nelson Cruz would like a word.
RunDMC
I’m dying to know what “slaked” means. These kids coming up with so many adjectives – hard staying on fleek.
Barkerboy
Correa to the city of brotherly love.
thickiedon
Either PHI or Cubs
Justanotherstrosfan
I hate to say this, but my pick is he goes to the Cubs with a full no trade AND an opt out after 3-4 yrs. I don’t see Hou upping there offer of 5/160. Our owner hasn’t signed a player for longer than a five year deal since he bought the team. Crazy thing to me is the offer we gave him is exactly half in terms of yrs and aav that he was asking for before the rangers blew up the SS market. The Cubs rumors are really going alot of traction. Supposedly he reached out to Baez about playing in Chicago. Hate to see him go though. I also don’t see him willing to move off SS. Bregman played SS exclusively through high school and college but had to move to 3rd because Correa was already there. Guy has an absolute CANNON for an arm too. Correa had multiple times the last few years of throwing 95+ on relays and to first.
axisofhonor25
I know White Sox were interested in this guy too. I bet the stove heats up.
dsett75
Just think if Seattle got both Bryant & Story!! Along with Cy Ray they’d look good! The AL West is going to be highly entertaining next summer. They’re sort of having a weapons or arms race….Like the AL East used to do.
JLinTexas
I’ve been thinking all along that Correa may not get what he thinks he will. NY and LA fans hate him, so that’s probably four big money teams not driving the bidding up. Plus the flooded shortstop market……
AvidAstrosFan
I think Correa still have plenty of suiters and if not he would be best doing a 1 year deal and hitting the free market next year with only 1 other SS hitting the market and no draft pick attached….. STILL he is elite and to many teams want to win to let a piece like that go…… It’s really not realistic to think he wont get his contract.
HBan22
I’d want Bryant over Story if I had to pick one.
Yankee Clipper
This is true unless you need a SS. Then it’s 325M v 150M
BuddyBoy
Yuck
Yankee Clipper
If the M’s sign Story and Yankees (Cashman) sit out…
Story not the greatest but he’s a marked improvement over what we have, which is NOBODY. And a trade for Simmons / Galvis does not equal Story. I may have been okay with that if they grabbed the top FA at SP & CF & 1B, then traded for a C – ok. But now?
dsett75
Not sure about Galvis’ situation, but Simmons is a FA. I believe he only signed a 1-year deal with the Twins last winter. I think I seen that Galvis was on the FA list, too, now that I think about it. As for Story, I wouldn’t have minded him over Baez. Story’s a 30/30 threat, too.
FargoMonkey
I do! Though the splits are worrisome. Still, with his speed and defense he’d make a great addition even if the batting average drops some; and with his exit velocity, I really wouldn’t expect his power numbers to drop much at all.
So long as they don’t overpay, Signing him would be a great story!
It wouldn’t surprise me one bit also if they also pursued Bryant as well even after adding Story. That’s what made the Frazier trade such a good move, his versatility allows the M’s to use him just about anywhere, including left field is necessary.
I could see a realistic scenario where a lineup would include Bryant at third Story at second and Frazier in left.
That’s a big improvement over last year, and it’s not at all out of the realm of realistic possibilities.
Justanotherstrosfan
I hate to say this, but my pick is he goes to the Cubs with a full no trade AND an opt out after 3-4 yrs. I don’t see Hou upping there offer of 5/160. Our owner hasn’t signed a player for longer than a five year deal since he bought the team. Crazy thing to me is the offer we gave him is exactly half in terms of yrs and aav that he was asking for before the rangers blew up the SS market. The Cubs rumors are really going alot of traction. Supposedly he reached out to Baez about playing in Chicago. Hate to see him go though. I also don’t see him willing to move off SS. Bregman played SS exclusively through high school and college but had to move to 3rd because Correa was already there. Guy has an absolute CANNON for an arm too. Correa had multiple times the last few years of throwing 95+ on relays and to first.
HighHardOne
I don’t see it as a good move in any way. His home and away splits are quite revealing, he is at best an average player away from Coors Field. And where are they going to play him unless they are going to move Frazier to OF or play him at 3rd for a season until Noelvi Marte is ready in a couple years…..
UWM'sFan
All these comments and not one person has brought up the fact that Story has been made by Coors. Dude has like a .970/.750 home vs road split for his career. He’s a very average hitter at every ballpark not in Colorado. I don’t want the M’s near him. The offense was absolutely horrific last year and adding a career 112 OPS+ hitter with terrible home/road splits isn’t the answer.
If I’m the GM I sign either Kris Bryant or Seiya Suzuki. If Bryant, he sticks at 3B and I go out and trade for Bryan Reynolds to play CF. If Suzuki, he plays CF and I go out and trade for Jose Ramirez. M’s have the farm system to make a massive trade and it wouldn’t even hurt em.
The Rangers just went out and signed Semien/Seager. The Angels have Rodon/Trout/Ohtani. The Astros are the Astros. Jerry needs to stop getting cute and get some superstars in the building. Get serious or we’re going to get lapped.
SodoMojo90
Reynolds isn’t coming here. They already told the M’s at the deadline that trading for him would begin with Julio Rodriguez. I wouldn’t even trade Julio straight up for him.
UWM'sFan
That was at the deadline. Pirates GM just came out and said trades will be taking place. Prices change.
meanmike
Who cares about Carlos Correa. If there’s any Yasha comments he made about Derek Jeter I think the Yankees Would be smart to kick him to the curb. He obviously is a brainless twit, as well as a drum beat cheater. My heart has a hard time bleeding for some pass bag that’s going to make at least 15 million a year anyway. On another note he might go to a team where he has no protection in the lineup and it’s like crap. It’s a gamble…