SEATTLE MARINERS

Report: Dustin Ackley returning to Mariners on minor league deal

Jan 9, 2019, 3:31 PM | Updated: 3:42 pm

Dustin Ackley, promising young MLB player – he never panned out in Seattle. But Dustin Ackley, 30-year-old utility man who last played in the majors in 2016, will reportedly try to resurrect his career in a return to the Mariners organization.

Mariners Hot Stove show, Jan. 8: Hour 1 | Hour 2

Ackley, the onetime Mariners top prospect and No. 2 overall pick of the 2009 MLB Draft, is returning to the Mariners on a minor league deal, according to multiple reports.

The left-handed hitting Ackley was with the Mariners from 2009 into 2015, beginning as a second baseman and eventually shifting to the outfield after the signing of Robinson Canó. While he had a strong rookie year in 2009, hitting .273 with 16 doubles, seven triples, six home runs and a .766 OPS over 90 games, he hit over .250 in just one of his remaining four years with the team. Traded to the Yankees in 2015, he received just 127 plate appearances over two seasons (51 games) with New York.

Considered one of the better college hitters in recent memory during his time at the University of North Carolina, where he was a teammate of Kyle Seager, nagging bone spur injuries could be credited for at least some of Ackley’s struggles in the pros.

Ackley spent all of 2017 and 2018 playing first base, second base and left field for the Salt Lake Bees, the Angels’ Triple-A affiliate. He hit .286 with 13 doubles, a triple, four home runs and a .776 OPS in 72 games with the Bees last year.

Video: Grading each of Mariners’ 73 trades made under Jerry Dipoto

Mariners Roof Report

Brought to you by
Mostly Sunny
High 56° | Low 41°
Roof is open
Red Sox at Mariners today at 6:40pm

Seattle Mariners

Seattle Mariners Mitch Haniger Dylan Moore...

Brandon Gustafson

Mariners Highs and Lows: What stands out from opening day loss

The Seattle Mariners fell to the Red Sox on opening day, and there were some takeaways – good and bad – to be had from the loss.

6 hours ago

Seattle Mariners Boston Red Sox Tyler O'Neill...

The Associated Press

Mariners drop opener 6-4 as Boston’s O’Neill makes history

Tyler O’Neill homered in his fifth straight opening day game to set a major league record, and the Boston Red Sox beat the Seattle Mariners 6-4.

7 hours ago

Seattle Mariners Mitch Haniger...

Brandon Gustafson

Welcome Back: Mitch Haniger blasts homer in Mariners return

Mitch Haniger kicked off his return to the Seattle Mariners with a bang, blasting a 2-run home run to right field in his second at-bat.

8 hours ago

Nelson Cruz Seattle Mariners...

Brent Stecker

After throwing out 1st pitch, Nelson Cruz retires as a Mariner

Nelson Cruz threw out the first pitch at Seattle Mariners opening day, then signed a one-day contract to retire with the team.

10 hours ago

Seattle Mariners Julio Rodriguez...

Brandon Gustafson

Mariners Notebook: ‘Consistent pressure’ theme for lineup in 2024

Scott Servais expects big things from the Seattle Mariners' lineup in 2024, as he shared ahead of their opener against the Boston Red Sox.

13 hours ago

Seattle Mariners lineup Julio Rodríguez...

Brent Stecker

See the first Mariners lineup of 2024 for opening day vs Red Sox

The Seattle Mariners' batting order for opening day of the 2024 MLB season against Boston showcases an improved amount of length.

16 hours ago

Report: Dustin Ackley returning to Mariners on minor league deal