Mariners trade for two players in exchange for cash considerations

The Mariners have acquired Miles Mastrobuoni and Blake Hunt, with both expected to provide depth for the organization but in different ways.

After mostly being inactive for the majority of the offseason — albeit not out of choice — the Seattle Mariners have begun to make some moves in recent days. These moves include claiming a couple of relievers off waivers, as well as signing utility infielder Donovan Solano.

Now, the Mariners have made a couple of trades, both for cash considerations. Miles Mastrobuoni has been acquired from the Chicago Cubs, while Blake Hunt returns to the organisation for his second stint, after being obtained from the Baltimore Orioles.

A versatile option for the Mariners

Mastrobuoni has some similarity to Solano in that he can play at a variety of positions, but he is not expected to feature as often. In total the 29-year-old has 118 games of experience at the Major League level, but there are concerns about his bat, as highlighted by a .219 batting average in three seasons.

Again though, Mastrobuoni’s versatility could prove invaluable, with him having seen playing time at short stop, second and third base, as well as in the corner outfield positions. It should also be noted that he has 16 successful career base steals in 17 attempts, including 13 of 14 in 2023.

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Welcome back to Seattle

As for Hunt, he was previously acquired by the Mariners from the Tampa Bay Rays, in November of 2023. He was subsequently traded to the Orioles, in exchange for Mike Baumann and Michael Pérez in May last year.

The catcher has yet to see any playing time in the Majors, as he strives to prove he was worth being picked in the second round of the draft back in 2017. He looked excellent during his time with Triple-A Tacoma, with a .293 batting average and .905 OPS in 24 games, although his productivity dropped considerably after being moved and playing for the Orioles’ own Triple-A club.

Hunt will at least be given plenty of opportunities to find his bat again, with him set to again ply his trade in Triple-A Tacoma. One thing which helps both the player and the organisation, is that he has a couple of options remaining.

Due to the two acquisitions, catcher Nick Raposo and infielder/outfielder Samad Taylor have been designated for assignment. As a result, the Mariners’ 40-man roster remains full at 40 players.

How much hope do you have, that the Mariners are going to make a significant move/trade/signing before spring training begins next month? Let us know in the comments section below.