Mariners may have an answer in the works for Astros Jose Abreu move

The Seattle Mariners watched the Houston Astros sign first baseman Jose Abreu, and they may have a corresponding move in the works.

The Seattle Mariners gave the Houston Astros a fight in the American League Division Series, despite the fact that they were swept in three games. The Astros went on to win their second World Series title.

Seattle’s future is bright, and they already made the huge move to acquire outfielder Teoscar Hernandez from the Toronto Blue Jays. Yet, they watched the Astros agree to terms with former Chicago White Sox first baseman and 2020 AL MVP Jose Abreu to a three-year deal. Apparently, the Mariners may be preparing to make a response.

According to MLB Network’s Jon Morosi, the Mariners are among the teams that are interested in free-agent outfielder Michael Conforto.

Mariners reportedly among teams interested in Michael Conforto

As Morosi points out, Conforto is from Washington, where he played for Redmond High School.

Conforto is an intriguing free agent, as he hasn’t played in a game since 2021. That season, the outfielder saw his production drop off, as he recorded a .232 batting average, a .729 OPS, 14 home runs, 55 RBI, and 94 hits in 125 games. After the year, Conforto opted out of his contract to become a free agent.

The outfielder didn’t sign with a team this past season, as he needed to undergo surgery for a right shoulder injury back in April.

Seattle has retooled their outfield not only by bringing in Hernandez, but also by trading 2020 AL Rookie of the Year Kyle Lewis to the Arizona Diamondbacks in exchange for Cooper Hummel. With two outfield slots locked in with Hernandez and 2022 Rookie of the Year Julio Rodriguez, it appears they’re looking to fill one more spot.

Could it be Conforto? That remains to be seen.