Mariner's Offseason Moves
Baseball in the city of Seattle has been interesting the past few years. The Mariners have been a bit under the radar in recent years due to their inability to make the postseason since 2001. This might change however after this offseason. Mariner's General Manager Jerry Dipoto has made many moves that might be the final piece to getting the Mariners to the postseason.
The first move made by the Mariners was small but added not only a veteran presence, but also needed depth at the catcher's position. This trade I'm talking about is C Carlos Ruiz to the Mariners, for LHP Vidal Nuno to the Dodgers. It's a simple deal the helps both sides I believe. The Mariners get a veteran catcher to aid a young pitching staff, and the Dodgers get a left handed pitcher who can start or relive.
Another move the M's made was the acquisition of UTL Danny Valencia. Valencia went under the radar last year, but he hit .287 with 17 HRs and 51 RBIs for Oakland. He's a great addition to Seattle's lineup can can fill many positions.
The next move was a much bigger one and this is 2B/SS Jean Segura to Seattle, for RHP Taijuan Walker and SS Ketel Marte to Arizona. Segura was nothing short of great in his first year in the desert last year. In a year of disappointment for the D-Backs Jean Segura was one shining point for them to enjoy. He his .319 with 20 HRs and 64 RBIs, while stealing 33 bases. The Mariners gave up a solid pitcher with a bright future, and a good infielder as well, but for Segura it's well worth it. Seattle now has a very good all around shortstop, who can be a big threat ahead of Robinson Cano and Nelson Cruz.
So after losing a spot in their rotation in Taijuan Walker, what is a team to do? The Mariners wasted little time in fixing this problem, adding RHP Yovani Gallardo from Baltimore for OF Seth Smith and cash. Right after this the Mariners also added the speedy outfielder from the Royals for RHP Nathan Karns. The Gallardo deal adds a veteran pitcher to the M's rotation, and although he didn't have an amazing year last year in Baltimore, I expect him to do very well in Seattle. Jarrod Dyson will be another good addition to Seattle for outfield depth, solid defense, and a speedy player off the bench. I don't believe he's ok to start everyday in the outfield but look to see Jarrod Dyson speeding around in Safeco field.
Finally, one of the biggest deals for the M's was the addition of Drew Smyly from Tampa Bay. Earlier in the day, before the M's got Smyly, Jerry Dipoto made a deal with the Braves, sending prospects CF Mallex Smith and RHP Shae Simmons to Seattle Mariners for LHP Luiz Gohara and LHP Thomas Burrows. Now this is a very important deal because just a few hours after that, the Mariners flipped Mallex Smith in the Smyly deal, in addition to trading LHP Ryan Yarbrough. Smyly is a great pitcher who can add depth to Seattles pitching staff and help this team finally make the postseason.
The 2016-17 offseason has been a big one for the M's and Jerry Dipoto has been at the helm of it all. This team can very easily go from a wildcard long shot to a contender in the AL West. A lot of other things will make or break the Mariner's success in 2017, like if King Felix Hernandez can return to form, or if the team can stay healthy, but one this is certain, watch out for the Mariners in 2017. They might just surprise you.