Victor Martinez rumors: Seattle Mariners to pursue Martinez in free agency?

In a piece of news that remains as true now as it has for the last number of years, the Seattle Mariners need more thump on offense. As they look ahead to free agency, is it possible that they could pursue Detroit Tigers’ slugger Victor Martinez?

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That is the question posed by Larry Stone of the Seattle Times. Martinez is set to hit free agency this winter. While the Tigers have made every indication that they will do everything they can to ensure that Martinez does not sign elsewhere, the Mariners or some other team could still have the chance to swoop in with a big offer to land the switch-hitting veteran.

Stone writes the following:

"The good news is that a player who fits the profile of their greatest need just happens to be available on the free-agent market. His name is Victor Martinez, and luring him to Seattle should be a top priority for Zduriencik."

Martinez was as good a hitter from wire to wire as any in the American League this season, including teammate Miguel Cabrera. More importantly, Martinez has shown for the last two years that he can hold up and stay healthy over the course of a full season. He is in line for a nice payday, whether from the Tigers, Mariners, or some other team, even at 35 years old.

Martinez would represent a marked upgrade over anything the Mariners got this season from Kendrys Morales, Corey Hart, or anybody else. If the Mariners have the means and resources to take a shot at Martinez’s services, they should certainly do so, even if it is a long shot.

Martinez batted .335/.409/.565 this season with 32 home runs and 103 RBI.

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