Seattle Mariners interested in Yoenis Cespedes

The Seattle Mariners are interested in Yoenis Cespedes, outfielder for the Boston Red Sox. This is according to a report from NBC Sports. With Boston’s additions of Hanley Ramirez and Pablo Sandoval, it seems that Cespedes might be the odd man out. He’ll command plenty of interest due to a rare throwing arm and right-handed hitting power.

Like most teams in MLB, Seattle has a right-handed hitting hole. The Mariners need a Nelson Cruz or Cespedes type of slugger to make a playoff push in 2015. Since Cespedes is entering a contract season, the presence of Robinson Cano, Felix Hernandez and Kyle Seager could convince him to have long-term interest in Seattle.

From Boston’s perspective, starting pitching is an area of weakness. Seattle has an established hurler in Hisashi Iwakuma. They also have a potential ace in 22-year-old Taijuan Walker. Either player could tickle Boston’s interest to the point of making a Cespedes deal.

Cespedes has strongly documented deficiencies. During the last three seasons, his on-base percentages were .294, .296 and .301. He also strikes out regularly and often has questionable focus. Even with shortcomings accounted for, Seattle should consider bringing Cespedes in for the right price. He drove in 100 RBIs in 2014 and has a swagger that numbers can’t measure.

More from Call to the Pen

• Philadelphia Phillies, ready for a stretch run, bomb St. Louis Cardinals
• Philadelphia Phillies: The 4 players on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore
• Boston Red Sox fans should be upset over Mookie Betts’ comment
• Analyzing the Boston Red Sox trade for Dave Henderson and Spike Owen
• 2023 MLB postseason likely to have a strange look without Yankees, Red Sox, Cardinals

For an organization looking to breakthrough as a playoff team, losing a quality pitcher for a right-handed lineup presence would be wise. Either Iwakuma or Walker will be kept. King Felix isn’t going anywhere and James Paxton has a chance to be special in 2015. An abundance of arms puts Seattle in position to land a needed hitter.

If Cespedes is that game-changing hitter in Seattle’s eyes, this move will be made. Each team has something the other covets. Boston needs to move Cespedes prior to losing him for nothing in the next offseason. Seattle needs an additional offensive piece to get over the playoff hump. It remains to be seen if the Mariners’ interest will form into anything substantial.