Seattle Mariners Should Sign Melky Cabrera this Offseason
By Christopher Gamble
@chriswgamble
Getty Images
With the Seattle Mariners expected to shop outfielder Michael Saunders at the GM meetings in Phoenix next week it stands to reason that the Mariners might be interested in a couple free agent outfielders. One free agent makes a ton of sense for the Mariners and that is Melky Cabrera.
Cabrera, 30, is coming off of one of his best seasons as a pro slashing .301/.351/.458 with 16 home runs, 73 RBI, 81 runs, 35 doubles and three triples in 139 games with the Toronto Blue Jays. He makes contact and doesn’t strike out, owning just a 12 percent strikeout ratio for his career.
Adding Cabrera would be a nice boost to a Mariners lineup that ranked 23rd last year in baseball with a .244 average and 18th in runs scored with 634. More importantly, as a line drive/groundball hitter, Cabrera is tailor-made for Safeco Field and would be a great number two hitter to help set the table for Robinson Cano, who happens to be Cabrera’s best friend in the game from their time with the New York Yankees.
The Mariners need offensive help and Cabrera is one of the best free agents available. Yes, he does have the PED issue hanging over his head but he has been clean since serving his suspension when he was with the San Francisco Giants in 2012. The team was so desperate last season that they brought in Kendrys Morales as a free agent in the middle of the season. That didn’t work out very well. The Mariners also picked up Chris Denorfia at the trade deadline but he was not very good for the Mariners.
Whether they want to admit it or not, the Mariners have a small window in which to take advantage of Felix Hernandez and Cano being in their primes. There is young pitching coming in the form of Taijuan Walker and Danny Hultzen among others but the offensive prospects like Justin Smoak, Dustin Ackley and Jesus Montero have largely been a flop. The Mariners have shown a willingness to spend recently and Cabrera is the perfect fit for this team.
Colorado Rockies: 5 Players That Could Be Traded
The Colorado Rockies need to re-tool to have any hope of becoming a playoff contender. On that note, here are five players they should still be looking to trade. Read More
Zobrist, Escobar Trade Makes A's Contenders
The Oakland Athletics continue to make a splash in the offseason by trading for Ben Zobrist and Yunel Escobar from the Tampa Bay Rays. Read More
5 Players The Braves Should Trade For
The Atlanta Braves have a lot more moves to make before the start of the season. Take a look at these players the Braves should consider trading for. Read More
Tigers Need A Break Out Season From Shane Greene
With multiple uncertainties in the starting rotation, it would be huge if the Detroit Tigers could get a breakout season out of newcomer Shane Greene. Read More
Tampa Bay Rays: 5 Players They Could Still Trade
With the Tampa Bay Rays heading into a transitional season, here are five players they should still look to trade. Read More
Assessing the SF Giants' 2015 25-Man Roster
The San Francisco Giants aren't as dangerous on paper as they were a season ago. Read More
Going Home To Blue Jays May Be What Axford Needs
It has been a long time since John Axford has been great. With a need for bullpen help, the Toronto Blue Jays should take a chance on him. Read More
Shields Would Be Best Ace Add For Cardinals
The St. Louis Cardinals are reportedly interested in adding an ace, and signing James Shields would be the best way for them to do so. Read More
Power Ranking NL Central Starting Catchers
The NL Central boasts the best catchers in all of baseball. Here is how they rank heading into the 2015 season. Read More
Tigers' Alex Avila Will Benefit From Platoon Role
Here is why Detroit Tigers catcher Alex Avila may benefit immensely from a strict platoon with James McCann in 2015. Read More
Former Players Could Haunt Royals In 2015
The Kansas City Royals made significant moves at the end of 2014, but the Chicago White Sox changed their team in a much bigger way. The Royals will now see far more of two well-liked former players. Read More
Randy Johnson's HOF Journey No Tall Tale
Will he be a Seattle Mariner or an Arizona Diamondback in the Hall of Fame? Either way, Randy Johnson's legacy will be remembered in Seattle long before it is forgotten. Read More