Mariners pursuing trade for big-name outfielder
The Mariners are reportedly in trade talks for a number of top-end, right-handed outfielders, including Matt Kemp, Yoenis Cespedes and Justin Upton,
according to FOX Sports’ Jon Morosi.
Seattle has expressed interest in both Kemp and Upton in the past, while the Red Sox have a surplus of outfielders that has led to speculation that Cespedes could be available this offseason. The Red Sox could be interested in Mariners starter Hisashi Iwakuma, though it’s unclear whether or not Seattle would be willing to part with Iwakuma in a potential Cespedes deal.
As for Upton, many expect the Braves to move him this offseason after trading away fellow outfielder Jason Heyward to the Cardinals earlier this offseason. Like Heyward, Upton is set to hit free agency following next season.
The Mariners
are already on the verge of signing third baseman Kyle Seager to a seven-year, $100 million extension, just one year after signing second baseman Robinson Cano to a 10-year, $240 million contract last offseason. Their next big move could be landing one of these right-handed hitting outfielders, though it’s not clear at this point what exactly they are prepared to offer in return in any of these scenarios.