The Seattle Mariners are looking to improve for 2025, especially at first base, where they struggled last season.
Their first basemen ranked in the middle of the league in home runs, slugging percentage, and batting average.
Without question, that’s not good enough for a team that wants to contend.
Currently, Luke Raley is set to play first base, and while he did well with 22 home runs and a .783 OPS in 2024, his ability to play the outfield gives the team more options.
Moving him to the outfield and bringing in a stronger first baseman could help the Mariners cover two needs at once.
One player they’re looking at is LaMonte Wade Jr. from the San Francisco Giants.
Wade had a solid season in 2024, hitting .260 with eight home runs, 34 RBIs, and a 121 OPS+.
While those numbers don’t stand out initially, Wade’s value goes deeper than that.
He has one of the best eyes in the league and ranks in the 99th percentile for walks.
He also makes smart, quality contact and ranks high in advanced stats like xWOBA (88th percentile) and sweet-spot percentage (94th percentile).
Wade knows how to get on base and avoid bad swings, which is exactly the kind of consistent hitter the Mariners need.
Of course, there are some concerns with Wade.
His power numbers have gone down since his 17- and 18-home run seasons in 2021 and 2023, and injuries have limited him at times.
He’s also not fast, ranking in the 7th percentile for sprint speed.
But if he can stay healthy for a full season, his power could bounce back, and his ability to get on base makes him a good addition, even if his speed is an issue.
What makes Wade a realistic target is the situation with the Giants.
Their new leadership, led by Buster Posey, focuses on everyday players instead of platoon bats.
Wade has been used mostly in matchups against right-handed pitchers, which makes him a platoon player in their eyes.
If the Giants are less committed to Wade as a full-time starter, they might be willing to trade him, and the Mariners could take advantage of that.
That said, trading Wade wouldn’t be an easy decision for the Giants.
He’s been a valuable player, delivering 2.1 WAR in 2024, and his expected $4.7 million salary in arbitration is a bargain for his production.
Wade led the Giants in on-base percentage and has been one of their most reliable hitters.
Even with his flaws, he’s a steady presence in the lineup.
But the Giants are open to exploring trades for arbitration-eligible players like Wade, Mike Yastrzemski, and Camilo Doval, so it’s not impossible that they’d move him.
For the Mariners, Wade would fit right in.
They’ve already made moves to boost their lineup, like trading for Randy Arozarena and Justin Turner, but they still need more.
Wade’s left-handed bat would balance their offense, and his slower speed wouldn’t be a big issue on a team that focuses more on power.
Plus, Wade’s price—in terms of salary and trade cost—should be manageable.
He won’t require a blockbuster deal to acquire, which, undoubtedly, makes him even more appealing.
However, one thing to keep in mind is Wade’s health.
He’s dealt with injuries that have slowed him down, and his performance dipped after returning from the injured list in 2024.
Before the injury, he had an impressive .333/.470/.426 line in 166 plate appearances.
Afterward, it dropped to .213/.316/.352 in 235 plate appearances.
Still, if he can stay healthy and have a normal offseason, there’s hope he can return to his peak form.
On the Giants’ side, they don’t have many better options to replace Wade at first base.
Bryce Eldridge is a promising young prospect, but he’s still too early in his development to be a realistic option for 2025.
Other internal choices, like Wilmer Flores or David Villar, might fill the gap, but they’re not upgrades over Wade.
The Giants could turn to the free-agent market, but affordable first basemen with Wade’s upside aren’t easy to find.
If the Giants do trade Wade, they’ll want something valuable in return.
He’s not a throwaway player, so the Mariners—or any other team—will need to put together a decent offer.
Still, the cost should be worth it for Seattle.
Wade’s ability to get on base, his affordable salary, and his potential for a bounce-back season make him a smart target for a team looking to improve its offense.
The Mariners won 85 games last year, just missing the playoffs.
They’ve got the pitching to compete, but their offense needs help.
Adding Wade could be the kind of move that pushes them over the edge.
Whether they trade for him or pursue another player, one thing is clear: the Mariners are committed to improving their team for 2025.
Wade might not be a superstar, but he could be exactly what the team needs to return to the postseason.