Report: Mariners to pursue Victor Martinez; expressing interest in Hanley Ramirez

The Seattle Mariners are reportedly targeting two of the top free agent bats available this offseason.

Sources tell Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports that the Mariners are making it a priority to pursue designated hitter Victor Martinez in an effort to bolster the club's offense. 

Rosenthal adds that Seattle is also expressing interest in shortstop Hanley Ramirez, considered to be the best position player among this winter's free agents.

Both players won't officially enter the free-agent market until they decline their $15.3-million qualifying offers, which they're expected to do. The deadline to accept the offers is Monday at 5 p.m. ET.

(WAR Courtesy: FanGraphs)

Victor Martinez is a good fit for the offensively challenged Mariners, who ranked last in the American League this season with a .676 OPS. Martinez smacked a career-high 32 homers for the AL Central champion Detroit Tigers and is rumored to be seeking a four-year deal. The 35-year-old veteran is also among the Tigers' top free-agent targets.

Although the Mariners are reportedly determined to add a bat this offseason, sources tell Rosenthal they're skeptical the club would entertain another $100-million plus contract. Seattle grabbed headlines last winter after inking superstar second baseman Robinson Cano to a mega 10-year, $240-million deal.

Ramirez has apparently expressed a willingness to play another position in an effort to expand his market, but the Mariners are already covered at third base, which figures to be the most suitable defensive spot for the 30-year-old slugger. 

MLB Trade Rumors projects him to command a contract this winter in the neighborhood of six years and $132 million.