Mariners Rumors Summed Up (12/3/2013)

Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

Call it “Transaction Tuesday” or whatever you want. But today was a very busy day across Major League Baseball.

There were several transactions that have implications on the Mariners chances of signing certain players. Let’s take a look.

Joe Nathan Goes to Detroit, Wilson to L.A.

The Mariners search for a closer took a hit on Tuesday with the Detroit Tigers agreeing to a 2-year deal with Joe Nathan and the Los Angeles Dodgers reportedly nearing an agreement with Brian Wilson.

This leaves the Mariners with very few options out there. Grant Balfour and John Axford are free agents. Not sure if any current closers are available via trade at this point.

Yankees Get Ellsbury, Fowler Traded

The New York Yankees have agreed in principle to a 7-year deal with Jacoby Ellsbury worth $153 million.

This ends months of speculation as to whether or not Ellsbury – an Oregon native – would consider coming “home” and play for the Mariners.

Dexter Fowler and a player to be named were traded Tuesday to the Houston Astros for OF Brandon Barnes and SP Jordan Lyles. Fowler had thought to have been a possible trade target that the Mariners were interested in.

What it means now is that the Mariners have two less big bat/outfielders available to sign.

Shin-Soo Choo is still out there, as is Carlos Beltran. Though Beltran is said to have a 3-year $48 million offer on the table, presumably from the Kansas City Royals.

According to Jon Morosi, the Mariners are very interested in trading for Matt Kemp as well.

Cano To The Mariners?

It also means that the Yankees probably don’t have enough money left to sign Robinson Cano. As reported earlier, the Mariners are said to be among the front-runners for Cano’s services.

With the Yanks signing Ellsbury, wanting Choo and/or another outfielder, as well as at least one SP, the money for Cano just isn’t there. Or maybe it is…..it’s the Yankees.

With the Winter Meetings less than a week away, it looks to be a very busy week in the Emerald City.

Stay tuned.