Should the Mariners bring in (back) Shin-Soo Choo?

August 3, 2012; Detroit, MI, USA; Cleveland Indians right fielder Shin-Soo Choo (17) at bat during the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-US PRESSWIRE

I can’t believe I didn’t think about this before. I mean, I thought about it last year, but completely forgot about Shin-Soo Choo until now.

John Heyman said this back in August:

"Indians general manager Chris Antonetti said they have tried to extend Choo “multiple times” over the past few years, to no avail. Antonetti was asked how much reception he’s gotten to the possibility of a multiyear deal, and the GM answered candidly, “None.”But Antonetti also pointed out that a trade this winter isn’t the only possible outcome, as they could also trade him at the deadline next July or let him leave as a free agent after next season and receive draft choices after making a qualifying offer, which Antonetti indicated they will surely make.How I missed Choo beats me, as I was looking left and right for possible trade targets for the Mariners, and it seems he could be available.For those who don’t know, Choo came up through the Ms system, but was traded as a prospect to the Indians for 1B Ben Broussard. That trade didn’t turn out like we hoped, as Broussard didn’t do much here, and is now off playing his guitar somewhere. The Indians ended up getting an All-Star caliber player in Choo however. In his first two full years in Cleveland, Choo put up over 20 HR in each, along with an average wOBA and wRC+ of .389 and 142.Last year however, he battled injuries, and put up a .325 wOBA and 106 wRC+. He then reverted to his old form this season, and has put up a .361 wOBA and 132 wRC+.That kind of production in RF would be a welcome sight in Seattle. Choo would fit very nicely in the 3 hole for the Ms, and would instantly be the best hitter on the team. His combination of power, speed and defense (ignore the .15.9 UZR this year and he is at 11.1 career) would greatly help the offense.The only drawback to Choo is his contract. He is due for arbitration next year, but becomes a free agent in 2014. I would much prefer if he guaranteed to re-sign here before he give up too much to get him.He isn’t the huge power bat that many want, but he can give you 20 bombs a year, and he creates runs in other ways. We need offense, and I get a strong feeling that we may have found it. It just makes sense.Speaking of that, what would it take to get him? It’s hard to say. The Indians seem open to it, but it would have to be worth more than the draft pick compensation they would get if they let him go. I think a deal built around Paxton would appeal to them, maybe with VCat and a lower level spec included. I would certainly we willing to give that up for a guy that can hit like he can.I think it makes too much sense for both sides for there not to be some talks. The Indians need, well, everything, but pitching is their biggest hole, which Paxton could help fill. And we need offense in the outfield, which is exactly what Choo brings.Make it happen Z. Indians general manager Chris Antonetti said they have tried to extend Choo “multiple times” over the past few years, to no avail. Antonetti was asked how much reception he’s gotten to the possibility of a multiyear deal, and the GM answered candidly, “None.”But Antonetti also pointed out that a trade this winter isn’t the only possible outcome, as they could also trade him at the deadline next July or let him leave as a free agent after next season and receive draft choices after making a qualifying offer, which Antonetti indicated they will surely make."