Mariners bolster outfield, acquire Jarrod Dyson from Royals for Nathan Karns
Jan 6, 2017, 2:12 PM | Updated: 2:25 pm
The addition of outfielder Jarrod Dyson gives the Mariners more speed on the base paths. (AP)
(AP)
The Mariners enter the weekend with a near-complete rotation and a more athletic outfield. Just hours after the trade of Seth Smith for Yovani Gallardo, the team announced Friday afternoon that they had traded right-handed pitcher Nathan Karns to the Royals for outfielder Jarrod Dyson.
“Jarrod brings us a winning pedigree, along with elite level defense and base running,” Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto said in a press release. “He joins players like Leonys Martin and Jean Segura in creating a disruptive element on the bases to our offensive game, while also enhancing our ability to prevent runs on defense.”
Dyson, 32, hit .278/.340/.388 in 337 plate appearances with 26 walks and 39 strikeouts in 2016. He stole 26 bases and was caught stealing seven times. He provides flexibility on defense, as he can play all three outfield positions.
With the addition of Dyson, the Mariners can now field one of the speedier outfields they have had in recent memory along with Martin and Mitch Haniger or Ben Gamel.
Dyson is in his final year of arbitration, with MLB Trade Rumors projecting him to earn $2.5 million in 2017.
With these moves, the Mariners’ 40-man roster remains at 39.
We are expecting to talk with Dipoto momentarily and will have more on today’s moves later in the afternoon.
