Mariners acquire SS Jean Segura, send Taijuan Walker and Ketel Marte to Arizona in 5-player trade
Nov 23, 2016, 8:33 PM | Updated: Nov 24, 2016, 9:32 am
General manager Jerry Dipoto called Jean Seugra "one of the premiere offensive players" in MLB last year. (AP)
(AP)
The Mariners pulled off a massive trade with the Diamondbacks Wednesday night, sending pitcher Taijuan Walker and shortstop Ketel Marte to Arizona for shortstop Jean Segura, outfielder Mitch Haniger and left-hander Zac Curtis.
Segura, the centerpiece of the trio of Diamondbacks coming to Seattle, gives the Mariners an established leadoff hitter. The 26-year-old hit .319 with a .368 on-base percentage and a .499 slugging percentage, 64 RBIs, 102 runs and 33 steals in 153 games with Arizona last season. His 203 hits included 41 doubles, seven triples and 20 home runs. His 6.9 wins above replacement ranked second in the National League behind Chicago’s Kris Bryant at 8.3.
Drayer: Why M’s valued established talent over potential in trade with Arizona
“Segura was one of the premiere offensive players in the Majors last season,” general manager Jerry Dipoto said in the Mariners’ press release. “His combination of average, power and speed is extremely difficult to find, especially at a position like shortstop and at the top of our lineup. We believe pairing him with Robinson Canó gives us tremendous offensive potential in the middle of our infield.”
Haniger, 25, was a first-round pick by Milwaukee in 2012. He made his MLB debut in August and hit .229 with five home runs and 17 RBIs in 34 games. Curtis, 24, posted a 6.75 ERA in 21 appearances after making his debut in April.
“We see Haniger as a high ceiling prospect who projects to join our outfield as soon as next season, while Zac Curtis’ track record in the minors gives us great confidence in his future as a big league pitcher,” Dipoto said.
To make room on their 40-man roster, the Mariners designated switch-pitcher Pat Venditte for assignment.
Dipoto on conference call says pitching is now the focus moving forward in the off season.
— Shannon Drayer (@shannondrayer) November 24, 2016
Such a now and future move. Dipoto building depth as well.
— Shannon Drayer (@shannondrayer) November 24, 2016
Dipoto acknowledges potential traded for what is established in this deal-“At this time this trade made more sense with where our roster is”
— Shannon Drayer (@shannondrayer) November 24, 2016
