Seattle Mariners trade rumors have the team sending relief pitcher Shawn Kelley to the New York Yankees. In the trade, the Mariners acquire 23-year-old prospect outfielder Abraham Almonte. According to a report from Wednesday (Feb. 13), Almonte spent last season at Double-A Trenton and posted a .276 batting average. He also had 30 stolen bases in 78 games, but may have run out of time in the system. Speed appears to be his biggest weapon.
The decision to make this trade appears to have been one of urgency, with the Mariners needing to either trade Kelley or release him after designating him for assignment. The team simply ran out of space on the 40-man roster and had to part with a relief pitcher who has been pretty good for the team. Last year he posted a 3.25 ERA over 44 1/3 innings; appearing in 47 games during the regular season.
This move probably won't make it on the radar of many Mariners fans, especially because it is dealing a spot reliever for an unknown prospect. It appears that Abraham Almonte can play all three outfield positions, making him a value asset in the Minor League system. Even if the plan is to play him in Triple-A Tacoma this coming season, Almonte could provide some depth to the roster for at least another season. As for his long-term prospects, fans will get a better feel for that when he show up to the Minor League mini-camp coming up.
These Seattle Mariners trade rumors may not seem impressive, but it does show that the team is continuing to try to get better for the future.
More Seattle Mariners News:
Mike Carp Designated For Assignment
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