Mariners News: M’s DFA Dan Robertson

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The Mariners DFA’d Dan Robertson on Friday afternoon

The Seattle Mariners designated Dan Robertson for assigned on Friday afternoon. The 30-year-old outfielder was claimed off waivers in November from the Los Angeles Angels. The M’s had to DFA Robertson to make room on their 40-man roster for Hisashi Iwakuma.

Originally selected by the San Diego Padres in the 33rd round of the 2008 draft, Robertson made his big league debut with the Texas Rangers in 2014. The Oregon State alum fared nicely in his debut campaign, posting a .271 batting average and swiping 6 bags over the course of 70 games. Robertson registered 0.2 wins above replacement during his time in Arlington, but was let go following the season.

Robertson hit .280 through 75 at bats last season with the Halos. Robertson spent the bulk of the season in triple-A, where he hit .265 with 1 home run, 20 RBI and 6 steals in 60 games.

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Robertson has been very successful during his career in the minor leagues. Across 8 seasons, he is hitting .299 with 27 homers, 334 RBI and 139 stolen bases. Robertson’s numbers are nearly as impressive in triple-A, where he has posted a .288 average with 8 home runs, 119 RBI and 49 steals in 338 games.

The Fontana, CA native will never be a home run threat, but he knows what he’s doing in the batters box. Robertson rarely strikes out, and has a career .324 on base percentage. He does a great job of putting the ball in play, and his speed applies pressure on the defense. Robertson works the count nicely, and could be effective at the top of the lineup or in the bottom third.

Robertson is a versatile defender with the ability to play all three outfield spots. He is most experienced playing left field, but he also has solid metrics in center. Dan possesses a strong arm and a steady glove.

Dan Robertson was expected to compete for a reserve outfielder job this spring in Peoria before being DFA’d on Friday. Robertson is a speedy outfielder who does a nice job getting on base, and there is a decent chance he will be claimed by another team.

Next: M's Trade Tyler Olson to Dodgers

Personally, I’m a fan of Robertson’s game. I believe he has the ability to be a fourth outfielder on a big league team in the future. However, the reality is that Robertson was no longer needed in Seattle following the additions of Leonys Martin and Nori Aoki.