MLB rumors: Mariners considering three-year deal with Josh Hamilton

The Seattle Mariners are considering any and all options this offseason as they look to improve their punchless lineup. Josh Hamilton is the biggest name on the free agent market, and one report from Ken Rosenthal suggests the Mariners could be considering a lucrative deal for the veteran outfielder.

According to Rosenthal, Seattle has had discussions of a three-year deal worth an annual salary of $20 to $25 million. It's been reported over the past few days that the M's may be the favorites to land Hamilton, although that's mostly speculation at this point.

Hamilton, who will turn 32 next season, is one of baseball's best hitters when healthy. He's a career .304 hitter and set a career-high with 43 homers and 105 RBIs in 2012. At the same time, some have raised concerns with his ability to stay healthy and productive over the course of a long season after years of drug and alcohol abuse.

The Mariners lineup would immediately improve should they add Hamilton, and he could potentially attract other free agent hitters to Seattle. The club would have to pay a steep price though, and quite a few other teams around the league will likely offer similar deals in the coming weeks.