Red Sox: 3 DH replacement options if JD Martinez opts out

The Red Sox could sign Kyle Seager to DH after the Mariners declined to pick up his option

Kyle Seager has been with the Seattle Mariners since they drafted him in 2009, but after 11 seasons in the big leagues, they are declining his option and sending him into the open waters of free agency.

At 33 years old, Seager proved he still had a lot in the tank this season, hitting a career-high 35 home runs. It was only the second 30+ HR season of his career, and his first since 2016.

Seager doesn’t really hit for average (his career-best is .278), but he’s a durable player who has appeared in 150+ regular-season games in eight of his 11 seasons, and last year, led the AL by appearing in all 60 games.

A longtime third baseman, Seager could also take turns with Rafael Devers, sharing both positions.

One thing that might deter the Sox from targeting Seager is his lack of postseason experience; he has none. While you can’t fault him for being a Mariner for his entire career, playoff experience matters in Boston. In that way, they’d be signing him sight unseen.

Seager is not much younger than Martinez, but the Red Sox have had plenty of players defy the age stereotype before, including David Ortiz. If the Sox aren’t ready to implement the Devers/Dalbec/Casas setup, Seager is an interesting fit.