Mariners acquire OF Leonys Martin in five-player deal with Texas

It appears the Mariners have found their new center fielder.

Seattle has sent reliever Tom Wilhelmsen, outfielder James Jones and a player to be named later to the Rangers for Leonys Martin and right-handed pitcher Anthony Bass. Both teams announced the trade Monday afternoon, confirming what was first reported by Jeff Passan of YahooSports.com

“The addition of Martin gives us a premier defensive center fielder,” general manager Jerry Dipoto said in the Mariners’ press release. “His athleticism and speed will be strong additions to our lineup as we continue to mold the roster. Bass will give our club added flexibility and depth in our bullpen.”

Martin, 27, is coming off a down year offensively in which he hit just .219/.264/.313/.576, but over the last three years he is fourth among MLB center fielders in defensive runs saved. In his previous two full seasons, Martin hit .268 with 134 runs scored. He has 81 stolen bases in the last three years, which ranks sixth in the American League. He is currently arbitration-eligible and can become a free agent in 2019.

Bass, 28, made 33 relief appearances for the Rangers in 2015, putting up a 4.50 ERA. He signed with Texas as a minor-league free agent last offseason and has one option remaining.

I will have more from Dipoto on the trade and what is next shortly.

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