Mariners sign a quality infield bat but fans still hoping for more

The Mariners have finally made a signing by bringing in utility infielder Donovan Solano, but the reality is the club still needs extra help.

After an offseason highlighted by claiming two relievers off waivers, on Monday the Seattle Mariners were finally able to confirm an actual signing. As announced by the club on social media, they have signed Donovan Solano to a one-year Major League contract.

While the Mariners did not disclose financial terms of the deal, various reports from major sports media outlets advised the deal is for $3.5 million, with another $1 million available in performance bonuses. How this counts against the $15 million of apparent spare payroll available for signings, remains to be seen.

Lets be clear in stating we know the Mariners have been trying to make moves during the offseason, but they have been unsuccessful up to this point. A prime example of this was missing out on free agent second baseman Hyeseong Kim, who instead decided to sign for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Solano fills a number of holes up to a point

However, this won’t take away from the reality that a lot of Mariners fans will be underwhelmed by the addition of Solano, and still wanting a more high-profile, quality signing. While this is a fair ask, it shouldn’t take away from what the 37-year-old offers, and how he can help the club.

The first thing Solano can provide is infield depth/help at the various positions where the Mariners need it, i.e. first, second and third base. He has always been a sure-handed if not top-notch defender, as evidenced by a career .985 fielding percentage during 11 years of Major League action.

• Seahawks Rookie Camp Day 1 Highlights
• Exploring Jadarian Price’s Impact on Seahawks’ Offense
• Seattle Storm’s Preseason Breakdown: Stats and Highlights
• Mariners complete strong road trip but Matt Brash causes concern
• Key Takeaways from Seattle Storm’s Thrilling Preseason Match

Of course the Mariners also need better bats to boost a lineup which struggled the majority of last season, something which the 2020 Silver Slugger Award winner can help with. Now yes he might not have much power, as highlighted by his eight home runs last season being a career high, but the most important thing is that he can make contact on a regular basis.

Solano has a career .279/.335/.381 slash line and a .716 OPS, while last season specifically he hit .286/.343/.417 and .760 respectively. Of interest to Mariners fans, he was stronger versus southpaw pitchers specifically in 2024, as evidenced by a .302/.373/.443 slash line and .816 OPS.

How much the Colombia native will play remains to be seen, with him appearing in 96 games last year with the Padres, but a career-high 134 a season earlier in Minnesota. He has also played for the Marlins, Yankees, Giants and Reds during his time in the Majors.

Dipoto pleased with the signing

Mariners president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto shared his thoughts on Solano in a press release by the club. He said:

“Donovan has been among the most underrated hitters in the game over the past six years. His veteran presence, consistent performance and positional versatility bring a lot to our roster.”

Of note, in a corresponding move, left-handed pitcher Austin Kitchen was designated for assignment. As a result, the Mariners’ Major League, 40-man roster remains full at 40 players.

Main photo credit: Mariners media

There’s no denying the Mariners could still use another quality infield bat, but what is your opinion of Saolano on his own merits? Do you consider him a good signing or not, and why? Let us know in the comments section below.