The Seattle Mariners inked their first notable winter move, signing free agent Donovan Solano. Solano signed a one-year, $3.5 million deal with Seattle on Monday. The move proves the Mariners have some sense of life and a minimal desire to improve.
Seattle’s winter so far has been littered with inexpensive depth-piece moves. It’s the opposite of what you would expect from a team that missed playoffs by one game two years in a row. It’s the same team that also has a historically good rotation. Finally, while still clinging to their penny-pinching ways, they added to their starting lineup. Solano might not be the fans’ first choice, but he does bring value to a team that struggles to, well, hit the ball.
Welcome to Seattle, Donovan
We have signed INF Donovan Solano to a 1-year Major League contract. #TridentsUp
https://t.co/ekfmAm9dab pic.twitter.com/rp7HR3wm7S
— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) January 13, 2025
Mariners Sign Donovan Solano
According to Mariners’ President of Baseball Operations Jerry Dipoto, Donovan Solano has been one of “the most underrated bats of the last six seasons.” Solano brings a consistent average to the Mariners’ lineup. But at 37, it’s unclear how much time he will spend in the Mariners’ infield. Glaring holes across the infield still exist, even after his acquisition.
Many speculate Solano will fill the Justin Turner role, one that greatly benefited Seattle down the stretch in 2024. Turner offered a wealth of experience and was a real figure at the time. With a limited budget, Turner is projected to sign for upwards of $10 million. That is something the Mariners unfortunately don’t have the freedom to do. Solano offers a lot of the same experience and bat presence at a fraction of the cost.
Solano is a career .279 hitter, which is perfect to fill in at DH when needed. In his last six campaigns, he slashed .294/.353/.413, which is better than any current Mariner, barring Randy Arozarena. Fans are hoping that whatever power he does have will translate to Seattle weather. A lot of his career has been with California teams, like the San Francisco Giants and San Diego Padres. The pure hitter can also fill in at first base, second base, and third base, all of which are other positions of need for the Mariners.
Photo Credit: © Orlando Ramirez-Imagn Images
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