Mariners trade for Danny Valencia to add right-handed bat, versatility

The Mariners have added a much-needed right-handed bat, trading minor league pitcher Paul Blackburn to the A’s for Danny Valencia.

“Danny’s skill set is a good fit for our club,” Seattle general manager Jerry Dipoto said in a press release. “He’s been a very productive offensive player, especially against left-handed pitching. In addition, his ability to handle all four corner positions presents (manager Scott Servais) with a welcome level of flexibility when creating lineups.”

Valencia, who is arbitration eligible and a free agent after the 2017 season, hit .287/.346/.446 in 517 plate appearances in 2016. Against lefties, the 7-year veteran hit .318/.389/.535. Primarily a third baseman throughout his career, Valencia moved around quite a bit more in 2016, starting 15 games at first base and 37 in the outfield.

A right-handed swinging outfielder who could play first base was something Dipoto hoped he could find in the offseason, and with Valencia he gets even a little more versatility. Valencia could platoon with Seth Smith in the outfield or step in at first if left-handed swinging Daniel Vogelbach makes the team out of spring training and needs some protection from tougher lefties.

Blackburn, who was acquired from the Chicago Cubs along with Vogelbach in exchange for Mike Montgomery last season, finished his season at Double-A last year. There was some thought that he could be looked at as pitching depth for the big league club at some point in the upcoming season. A former first-round pick of the Cubs, Blackburn went 9-5 last year with a 3.97 ERA pitching 143 innings.

With the moves, the Mariners 40-man roster is now at 37.