Nick Franklin: Raising Trade Stock Or Fighting For Playing Time

Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

This week the Seattle Mariners recalled Nick Franklin from Triple-A. A lot of trade rumors surrounded him after the acquisition of Robinson Cano but Franklin remained with the team and started the season with Tacoma.

When given the chance last season, Franklin took full advantage starting out with a bang. He was considered the early front-runner for AL Rookie of the year. The second half showed him slow down though and he finished with a .225 BA and .303 OBP.

Holding onto Franklin could prove to have been the best move for the Mariners. While most teams are aware of Franklin’s potential this is a good chance for him to improve his trade stock with the big league club.

He worked on playing outfield a little during spring making him more versatile. This will help given that finding playing time in the infield could be difficult. Brad Miller has has a slow start to the season but taking the starting shortstop position away from him this early would be too quick on the trigger.

In his first three games this season he has played second, been the DH, and pitch hit for the pitcher. Lloyd McClendon might have to get creative in order to get him playing but if he can continue the hot start he was having in Tacoma the Mariners will find a way to get him in the lineup.

Another option to consider is that the Mariners simply use Franklin. He’s a young player that can provide good value to the team. If he starts to play well and produce for the team he would be raising his trade stock but could be proving that he deserves to stay in Seattle. A player like Franklin is one many teams value and should not be so quick to trade.

Regardless of whether the team is entertaining the idea of trading Franklin its exciting to have him back in the majors. Hopefully he can help the Mariners get back on track after losing 6 of the last 7 games.