It was a cold morning in Seattle when news broke that the Mariners had agreed to terms with slugger Nelson Cruz on a 4 year/$58 million contract. Snow still lingered around Washington as the Cruz deal was announced, but the hot stove is certainly heating up in the Emerald City. A recent report noted that the Mariners are still in search of a right fielder, meaning 34 year old Nelson Cruz will man the DH position that was so ineffectively manned by Corey Hart in 2014. While the M's have been linked to trades involving Justin Upton and Matt Kemp, Torii Hunter is the Mariners best and cheapest option.

Hunter, age 38, looks to  play at least one more season. Hunter also just so happens to be the perfect fit for the Seattle Mariners. The ex Tiger hit .286 with 17 homeruns and 83 RBI. His average and power fit right in front of Robinson Cano. He would receive protection from Cano, Cruz and Seager. His .318 OBP also would help Cano, earn more RBIs. The spot formerly manned by Dustin Ackley would now be taken over.

Hunter's veteran presence also would prove to be a huge upside t the younger crew. A two year, $22 million contract would fit nicely for the Mariners. Hunter would serve as a place holder for prospect Alex Jackson, who looks to be an impact bat in the outfield. Torii is also a cheaper option than Matt Kemp and Justin Upton, who would both likely cost one of either Taijuan Walker or James Paxton. To receive Cespedes, the Mariners would likely have to deal Hisashi Iwakuma. Torii Hunter serves as the lowest risk and high reward type player. He was not offered a qualifying offer, meaning no draft pick compensation is attached to signing him. Hunter would also rejoin former Tigers Austin Jackson and former hitting coach Lloyd McClendon.

A lineup in Seattle would look similar to this if Hunter was to go to the Mariners.

Jackson CF

Hunter RF

Cano 2B

Cruz DH

Seager 3B

Morrison 1B

Zunino C

Ackley LF

Miller SS

A lineup this potent could lead the M's directly to the playoffs. A year removed from falling just one game out of the playoffs, (and a postseason that saw two wild card teams in the World Series) the Marines could be the Royals of 2015. Hunter provides the durability that the Mariners need in RF. After all, Michael Saunders has been the starting right fielder and his body has not been reliable, hitting the DL multiple times over the past year. The M's would have an everyday right fielder that can become a major impact player at the top of the lineup.

With the addition of Cruz and then the possibility of Torii Hunter, the Mariners would have addressed all of their offseason needs without losing any trade chips. With that being said, the M's could theoretically then trade for another bat or even a decent arm. The M's could still use a shortstop and first base upgrade. Troy Tulowitski would fit nicely in the M's lineup as a double play partner with Robinson Cano, but that is an article for another day. Of course, nobody knows how much money the M's have left to spend, as they have committed over $90 million to about a dozen players. Torii Hunter would serve as the turning point for the Seattle Mariners, turning them from a postseason possibility to a World Series favorite. With so many options left on the table, the sky is the limit for the Seattle Mariners. The question is not IF the M's will sign another player, it is WHO they will sign that intrigues the baseball world. Fasten your seatbelts Seattle,we have reached make or break time in the Emerald City.