A few Mariners fans may remember when a shortstop named Alex Rodriguez made free agency as a 25-year-old. A-Rod’s record-breaking contract was the result of his incredible talent, yes, but also the rarity at which players are able to choose their employer before age 30. Manny Machado and Bryce Harper notably smashed some team and league records with their contracts thanks to elite skills and numbers, but just as importantly that they were just 26 on their signing days. Players just don’t tend to reach free agency in their mid-20s unless they’re not good enough for their club to want them, or so good that their team isn’t willing to pay them what they want to stick around.
Mariners 2021 Free Agent Target: Ha-seong Kim
