Andre Ethier Still An Option For The Seattle Mariners?

Many people thought that the Los Angeles Dodgers rid themselves of their crowded outfield situation when they traded Matt Kemp to the San Diego Padres this winter.

But the Dodgers are hopeful that Joc Pederson wins the starting center field job this Spring to go with Carl Crawford in left and Yasiel Puig in right. So where does that leave Andre Ethier?

According to recent reports, Ethier met with Dodger management to discuss his role, saying that he wants to start and preferably at a corner outfield position, given that he feels he can’t play center.

Now that Ethier has gone public with his comments, the Dodgers have lost all leverage in possible trade talks. Teams KNOW he wants out. The question becomes: Are the Seattle Mariners interested?

The Mariners seem to be set in the outfield, but there are questions. First question: Will the planned platoon of Justin Ruggiano and Seth Smith work in right?

Both players, as well as Ethier are 32-years old. Neither Ruggiano nor Smith have ever won a Gold Glove or been an All-Star. Ethier is a two-time All-Star and has won a Gold Glove and a Silver Slugger.

Ruggiano, in six seasons has a combined WAR of 2.6. Smith, in eight seasons has a combined WAR or 9.5. Ethier, in nine seasons has a combined WAR of 19.8 and that’s with a 0.0 WAR in 2014.

The numbers can be explained away whether the M’s stick with the platoon or go after Ethier. Anything can happen “this” season. But the track record is hard to ignore. By the age of 32, you pretty much are what you are. Right?

The second question is: Could Ethier replace Dustin Ackley?

This is a touchy one because a lot of people – including the organization – like Ackley and feel like he could put it all together this season.

But if he doesn’t, where does that leave the Mariners? The whole purpose of the platoon in right was to use them as a platoon. Now, if they were both forced to play everyday either because of injury to Ackley or simple lack of success, it’s a whole different beast.

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And I realize that Rickie Weeks was acquired to be an outfielder, but seeing as though he’s never played in the outfield, it’s hard to be too optimistic about him having any kind of success out there.

Ethier could be a nice pickup to replace Ackley if need be. The only major problem surrounding a trade for Ethier is the money he is still owed. Over the next three seasons, Ethier is owed $53.5M with a $17.5M option for 2018.

But like I mentioned earlier, the Dodgers have all but lost their negotiating power with Ethier publicly declaring his desire to start.

I’m not sure what a package to acquire Ethier would look like. I would imagine a trade would center around one of the Mariners shortstops – most likely Brad Miller– and add an arm – perhaps Roenis Elias – and a prospect with the Dodgers picking up some of Ethier’s salary.

The Mariners probably won’t seek this trade or any trade involving Ethier. But it would be ridiculous for them to not at least throw an offer out there and see if it gets traction. I’d rather have a struggling Ackley coming off the bench backing up Ethier then relying on Stefen Romero again.