Outfielder Seth Smith has been traded to the Seattle Mariners. Jerry Crasnick of ESPN and various other reports have confirmed the news. In exchange for landing Smith, Seattle will give up reliever Brandon Maurer to the San Diego Padres.
With Matt Kemp, Justin Upton and Wil Myers crowding the Padres’ outfield, Smith was rumored to be on the trading block. His departure lands the team a decent reliever in Maurer, but this move was primarily made to shrink this positional excess. It wouldn’t be unreasonable to think Will Venable or any additional San Diego outfielder will be dealt.
For Seattle, the glut of players in San Diego opened up the door for a bargain. They’ve already made a splash by signing Nelson Cruz and solidified the future by bringing back Kyle Seager. Smith’s arrival will be discussed with less hype, but the 32-year-old hit .266 and had a .367 on-base percentage in 2014. Offense is down throughout the game to the point in which a .260 or higher average is considered desirable. Smith also belted 12 home runs and 31 doubles in his 443 at-bats.
Does this move push Seattle over the top? Certainly not. But it’s a move for depth that immediately improves the team. Smith should be comfortable in the outfield or DH slot. He was a designated hitter regularly during a 2012 and 2013 stint with the Oakland Athletics.
In return for landing a quality hitter, Seattle only had to give up one of its least valuable relievers. Maybe Maurer thrives with the Padres and ends up turning the fortune of this deal. Even if he does, Maurer didn’t exactly fit in with the slew of capable hurlers in Seattle. He posted a 4.65 ERA in 69 2/3 innings pitched last season.
The primary interest now is whether or not Seattle’s done making moves. Its starting rotation is already first class and its bullpen is the same. The defense is strong and speedy throughout the field. With Cruz signed, Seager returning and Smith on the way, the offense looks to be a formidable force.