Mariners News: M’s trade for Leonys Martín and Anthony Bass

The Mariners continue to make wholesale changes to the roster.  Jerry Dipoto has landed Leonys Martín (CF) and Anthony Bass (RHP)  from their division opponent Texas Rangers in exchange for Tom Wilhelmsen, James Jones and a player to be named later.

Leonys Martín is a 27 year old speedy center fielder with club control until 2019.  He plays solid defense and has terrific speed.  He can lay down a bunt.  Another asset that he has is his amazing arm.  Leonys is one of 15 outfielders that was clocked throwing at 100 mph according to Fangraphs.  He throws right handed and bats from the left side.

Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

His lifetime offensive statistics are, a .255 avg. with a .305 on base average.  However in 2015 in 95 games with 288 official at bats he had a .219 avg. and a .264 on base average with 63 hits, 66 strikeouts, 14 stolen bases, 16 walks, 5 HR, and 25 RBI.  Not the best statistics.  It appears he was in a bit of a slump in an injury plagued 2015.

Leonys is owed $4.75 million in 2016 and becomes arbitration eligible.

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Anthony Bass is a 6-foot-2 200 pound right handed relief pitcher who has a career 4.40 ERA and 1.387 WHIP in 129 games and 18 starts.  He hasn’t started since 2012.  The 28 year old has a solid frame and posted a 4.50 ERA in 33 appearances and 64 total innings last year with AL West Champion Texas Rangers.  He provided long relief for the Rangers.  He boasts a 94 mph four seam fastball and 86 mph slider, while mixing in a 94 mph sinker and an 85 mph splitter.

Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

As fans we will miss Tom Wilhelmsen and James Jones.  But this is unfortunately part of the business side.  We will definitely never forget Tom’s great personality and joyful dancing or James’ crazy speed.  We wish them good luck in their new adventure with Texas.

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Jerry Dipoto is clearly stamping his mark on this team and adhering to his philosophy.  Leonys Martin has mediocre offensive statistics at best.  But his contact rate is very average.  He has a lifetime 77% contact rate and while his offensive stats were bad in 2015 he maintained it at 76% He is going to put the ball in play.  For those who don’t know what that is, the formula is at-bats minus strikeouts divided by at-bats, or (AB – K)/AB.  Traditional offensive statistics minded fans will look at the mendoza line like batting average and that he had more strikeouts than hits.  But Jerry sees the great defense, speed and coverage for the outfield in Safeco and the fact that he will put the ball in play.  In Bass he has brought in a long reliever that will deepen the pen and eat innings bolstering the bullpen.

How this will translate onto the field in 2016 is yet to be seen.  But again we see the direction of this team continue to unfurl in front of us in a furious fashion.