Reportedly, the Seattle Mariners are reuniting with a familiar face, but it might not be the one many fans are expecting. According to Aram Leighton of Just Baseball, infielder Patrick Wisdom and the Mariners have agreed to a minor league contract. One that includes an invitation to big league spring training.
Wisdom, now 34 years old, is no stranger to the organization. He previously signed with Seattle in November 2019, though his time with the club was brief. After the shortened 2020 season, Wisdom was released in August of that year. He never made an appearance in a game for the Mariners.
Who is Patrick Wisdom
A former first-round draft pick in 2012 by the St. Louis Cardinals, Wisdom spent several years bouncing between organizations. He later played for the Texas Rangers and, most notably, the Chicago Cubs.
Wisdom’s most productive stretch came with Chicago from 2021 to 2023. His approach at the plate was often all-or-nothing. He hit at least 23 home runs in each of those three seasons, establishing himself as a legitimate power threat. The downside was swing-and-miss, as Wisdom struck out in at least 34% of his plate appearances each year during that time.
In total, Wisdom launched 76 home runs in 1,211 plate appearances between 2021 and 2023 while striking out a hefty 36.9%. That production resulted in a .214/.298/.473 slash line. Despite a low batting average and elevated strikeout rate, Wisdom finished the three-year run with a 111 wRC+.
In 2024, Wisdom mostly saw bench duty. In 174 plate appearances, he struggled, posting a .171/.237/.392 line and failing to return to previous power.
Wisdom spent the 2025 season with the Kia Tigers in the Korean Baseball Organization. While there, he showed promising signs. He slugged 35 home runs and finished with a .236/.321/.535 slash line and a 126 wRC+, signaling a return to form at the plate. Defensively, Wisdom split most of his time between first base and third base.
What Wisdom Could do for the Mariners
With third base still unsettled heading into spring training, Wisdom’s performance could determine whether he earns a spot on the Mariners’ roster.
Seattle has several internal and external options at the hot corner, but none have been firmly locked into place. Eugenio Suárez remains a free agent despite ongoing rumors of a possible reunion, while top prospect Colt Emerson’s name has been thrown into consideration. However, the 20-year-old likely needs more time before reaching the big leagues.
Ben Williamson also remains an in-house option after making his MLB debut, but with limited big league experience at third base, the position still lacks a solid presence. As a result, Seattle may be looking to bolster the hot corner with additional experience rather than relying solely on young players.
Beyond third base, Wisdom could also fit as a right-handed designated hitter. In that role, he would provide platoon coverage against left-handed pitching and add much-needed power depth. His presence could help balance a lineup that includes multiple left-handed hitters.
Ultimately, signing Wisdom is a low-risk move for Seattle. One that could potentially pay off both offensively and defensively if he regains the form he showed earlier in his career.
Seattle Mariners to Reunite with Slugging Third Baseman in Minor League Deal