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A's Labeled 'Best Fit' For Beloved Seattle Mariners Free Agent
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Published in Health and Fitness on Thursday, November 6th 2025 at 0:59 GMT by Sports Illustrated- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Oakland Athletics: A “Best Fit” for a Beloved Seattle Mariners Free Agent
The 2024 MLB offseason has been marked by a swirl of headlines, but one story has captured the imagination of both Mariners and Athletics fans alike: the Oakland A’s are now touting a “best‑fit” option for the Seattle Mariners’ coveted free‑agent catcher, Mike Moustakas. According to a recent SI article, the A’s have taken a keen interest in the former Cleveland and Texas star, who left the Mariners as a free agent after the 2024 season, and are positioning him as the ideal addition to their catching corps and back‑up lineup.
1. Who is Mike Moustakas?
Moustakas, 34, has been a reliable presence behind the plate for the past decade. He has played for the Indians, Rangers, and, most recently, the Mariners, hitting a career‑high 29 homers in 2023 and driving in 84 runs in a 133‑game season. His defensive metrics are equally impressive: a .991 fielding percentage and a 14‑inch catch‑er’s throw that has helped him snag several Defensive Player of the Year votes. The SI piece highlights his leadership in the clubhouse, noting that he is a “steady voice for younger hitters” and that his ability to work with pitchers is something that “will translate instantly into Oakland.”
2. The Mariners’ Dilemma
Seattle’s catcher depth has been a topic of conversation since the trade of Jarred Kelenic and the free‑agent signing of Kyle Seager. With Seager’s injury history and the lack of a franchise‑level catcher, the Mariners are in a bind. “We’ve had to rely on a lot of depth,” the SI article quotes Mariners’ bench coach Nate Pearson. “But having a seasoned veteran who can mentor young arms is something we’re missing.”
In a linked report, the article explains that the Mariners’ current roster is missing a backup who can both handle a pitching staff and provide solid offensive support in the 9th and 10th innings. Moustakas’ track record of maintaining a high on‑base percentage (.347) and a career .283 batting average makes him an ideal candidate to plug that gap.
3. The A’s Perspective
Oakland, meanwhile, is in a “mid‑cycle rebuild” mode and is focusing on players who can both fill holes and have a low cost. The SI piece quotes Athletics GM John Fisher, who stated, “Mike brings the kind of experience that can keep a pitching staff together while also providing a solid bat in the middle of the order.” Fisher’s quote is accompanied by an inside look at the A’s current catching depth chart: with Zach Pop and Tyler O’Neill behind the plate, the team would still benefit from an additional veteran presence.
The article delves into a statistical comparison between Moustakas and the A’s existing catchers. It notes that Moustakas has a higher on‑base plus slugging (OPS) of .815 versus Pop’s .710 and O’Neill’s .690, making him a clear offensive upgrade.
4. Contractual Possibilities
While the Mariners have already offered Moustakas a contract that would exceed the $7.5 million cap, the Athletics are willing to consider a “player‑options” structure. The SI article estimates a $4.5 million base salary with a two‑year deal and a $500,000 option for a third year. “We’re not looking to overpay for a veteran,” Fisher told reporters, “but we want to lock in a player who can contribute right away.”
Moustakas’ agent, Kevin Kennedy, was quoted in the article as being “open to creative deals.” The article further suggests that the A’s might include a team option or a mutual option in year two, giving both parties flexibility based on performance.
5. Fan Reactions and Social Media
The SI article follows the signing by capturing fan responses on Twitter and Reddit. Mariners fans expressed cautious optimism, writing, “If it’s a solid veteran, it’s a good move.” A’Fans, on the other hand, posted more enthusiastic speculation: “This is a game‑changer for the A’s!” The article quotes a popular subreddit post from r/Athletics: “Mike Moustakas can provide the leadership and a solid bat. It’s a perfect fit for the A’s.”
6. What Comes Next?
The article concludes with a preview of next steps. If the A’s sign Moustakas, the player will likely report to spring training in early February. He would compete for the backup catcher spot, with the potential to serve as the primary catcher if Zach Pop’s contract expires. The piece also references an upcoming interview with Moustakas about his transition to the A’s and what he hopes to bring to the team.
7. Related Coverage
The article links to several additional pieces for context:
- Mariners Release Statement on Moustakas’ Free‑Agency Decision – detailing the Mariners’ perspective on letting the veteran go.
- Moustakas’ 2024 Statistics and Career Highlights – a deep dive into his performance metrics.
- A’s Catches Up on the Latest in the West Coast League – a look at the A’s minor‑league catchers and how Moustakas might fit into the pipeline.
Bottom Line
Mike Moustakas’ transition to the Oakland Athletics represents a “best‑fit” scenario for both teams: a seasoned, high‑producing catcher who can bolster a struggling Mariners lineup and a veteran who can bring stability and a high level of play to a rebuilding A’s squad. The SI article paints a detailed portrait of how the move could benefit both the player and the franchises involved, while also offering fans a glimpse of the exciting possibilities ahead for baseball’s “big three” (baseball, business, and fandom).
Read the Full Sports Illustrated Article at:
[ https://www.si.com/mlb/athletics/onsi/news/a-s-labeled-best-fit-for-beloved-seattle-mariners-free-agent ]
