Former Seattle Mariners OF Linked to American League champion in free agency

Popular website MLBTradeRumors has identified former Seattle Mariners outfielder Jesse Winker as a potential candidate to play for the Cleveland Guardians this offseason.

They did this as part of their “Offseason Outlook” series. So Winker’s connection to the Guardians is not an official report, but informed speculation.

And it makes a lot of sense. First of all, Winker is not expected to be expensive. Spot estimates his offseason market value will be $2.4 million. For a Rangers team that can’t break the bank, this would be tracked. Moreover, as the Guardians deal with their own TV revenue issues, the willingness to strike bargain deals may be even greater this year.

Secondly, the Rangers need help offensively as well. Last season, they finished 14th in the league in runs allowed per game. Although they won the division, they were unable to overcome their playoff lead, losing to the New York Yankees in the ALCS.

After two consecutive years of decline, Winker also experienced a renaissance in 2024. He hit .253 with a .360 slugging percentage for the Nationals and Mets, helping the Mets reach the NLCS. He had 14 homers and 58 RBI.

Winker is one of the most frustrating players of the last decade Sailors baseball. After being dealt to Seattle in 2022, he hit just .219 with 14 runs and 53 RBIs. There were also questions about his form at the club, as he ended the season injured and unavailable for the M team that broke their play-off drought. The Mariners traded him to Milwaukee before the 2023 season, and he hit just .199 with the Brewers, hitting just one home run.

However, he made his debut again this season and could be ready for a solid role in 2025.

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