But I’m now told the talks between the two sides have been a lot more serious than anyone has let on and that they are actually “very close” to getting a deal done.

Baker notes that the one thing holding up an agreement between the Mariners and Hamilton is the fact that the Texas Rangers are also interested in re-signing the outfielder. Texas is Seattle’s “most serious” competitor on the Hamilton front, but they also remain in the mix for right-hander Zack Greinke and will not be able to sign both players this winter.

Greinke is reportedly set to make a decision by the end of the week, and it appears that the Rangers are emerging as equal as a favorite as the Los Angeles Dodgers. If they do sign him and decide to pass on Hamilton, the Mariners are viewed as the free agent’s No. 2 option.