Fansided

One free agent each MLB team should sign right now

By Joshua Sadlock

CHICAGO, IL - SEPTEMBER 27: Starting pitcher Alex Cobb
CHICAGO, IL - SEPTEMBER 27: Starting pitcher Alex Cobb /
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BALTIMORE, MD – SEPTEMBER 22: Starting pitcher Alex Cobb #53 of the Tampa Bay Rays works the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on September 22, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD – SEPTEMBER 22: Starting pitcher Alex Cobb #53 of the Tampa Bay Rays works the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on September 22, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

Seattle Mariners: Alex Cobb

Without having actually addressed their starting rotation issues, the Mariners enter the 2018 season with nearly $160 million committed to a roster that went 78-84 last season. The losing record was not on the offense, though. Seattle’s pitching staff struggled to stay healthy, and Ariel Miranda started more games than anyone else in the rotation. That’s not a recipe for success.

James Paxton was the breakout ace for the Mariners last year, but he has never made it through a full MLB season. The big lefty will look to build ion his career-high 24 starts last season, but the Mariners rotation is still a big question mark behind Paxton. Felix Hernandez is in rapid decline and might never make it through another season healthy. The addition of Mike Leake was a smart pickup for Jerry Dipoto last August. Leake has been good for 30 starts six years in a row.

The final two spots in the Mariners rotation are up for grabs, and the internal options do not inspire much confidence. Seattle won’t have the resources to pursue Jake Arrieta, even as he lingers on the free-agent market. A mid-tier arm like Alex Cobb should be in their price range.

Seattle has not made the playoffs since their magical 2001 season. The Mariners have nothing to show for all the money spent and wild trades made by Dipoto and his front office. If it takes spending another $15 million for a solid starter with high upside like Cobb, then so be it.

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