Blue Jays: Potential replacements for Marcus Semien

Kyle Seager

Kyle Seager’s long career with the Seattle Mariners, the only big league home he’s known in his 11-year career, came to an end this offseason. The Mariners declined his contract option and paid him a $2 million buyout, making the 34-year-old a free agent.

Seager may be the less-notable member of his own family, but he still enjoyed the biggest power outburst of his career in 2021. His 35 home runs were third among third basemen behind Rafael Devers and Jose Ramirez. He was one of six third basemen to drive in at least 100 runs.

Seager has played every one of his 1,480 career games in a Mariners uniform. He finished his career there ranked fourth in franchise history in games played, home runs, and RBI. Teammates affectionally called him “Cap.” Fans gave him a rousing ovation when he came out of what turned out to be his final game with the team in October.

His blend of power and clubhouse presence would make the veteran an ideal fit on a young Blue Jays roster. Seager joining the Blue Jays would be of mutual benefit; the Blue Jays have their sights set on the postseason. Seager has never played deep in October, leading all active players in career games without a postseason appearance.

He has enjoyed his visits to Toronto over his career. Seager is the only non-AL East player with at least 10 home runs at the Rogers Centre over the last decade. He has the fourth-most homers of any visiting player in Toronto since 2011, despite never playing in the division. Every player ahead of him on that list played at least 12 more games.

Seager is also a left-handed bat in a lineup that already has plenty of right-handed power. He made $18.5 million in 2021, slightly more than the Blue Jays paid Semien. It would be money well-spent to bring the veteran to Toronto.