Could the Mariners sign a former MVP and two-time All-Star this winter?

The Seattle Mariners have made improving their infield offense a priority. The team could do just that through a big trade without sacrificing defense.

Since the turn of the millennium, Seattle has been left out of the playoffs in 22 of the last 23 years since back-to-back games in the American League Championship Series.

The Mariners have a number of quality young pitchers in George Kirby, Logan Gilbert, Bryce Miller and Bryan Woo – not to mention standout hurler Luis Castillo. This is a playoff starting staff; The offense just has to fit in with it.

According to Bleacher Nation’s Michael Cerami, Seattle is well aware of this and is prioritizing offensive improvements to its infield this offseason.

The Mariners have reportedly had discussions with the Chicago Cubs about second baseman Nico Hoerner. However, Mike Axisa of CBS Sports sees Seattle as a top contender for a Cody Bellinger trade.

“The Mariners basically just need any bat with upside potential, and Bellinger could fit the bill at first,” Axisa wrote.

Bellinger was named the National League’s Most Valuable Player in 2019 manning the outfield for the Los Angeles Dodgers, but has also shown he is more than capable as a first baseman.

He has 343 career games at first base, 81 of them in the last two seasons with the Cubs.

Chicago, facing a glut of outfielders, is reportedly shopping Bellinger around the league to spend the $27 million earmarked for him on other roster improvements.

For Seattle, Bellinger could assume the starting role at first base, but could also reliably sign one of the Mariners’ starting outfielders to add flexibility to the team’s roster.

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