Throwback Thursday: 5 Worst Trades in Seattle Mariners History

#2

Mariners Trade Tino Martinez, Jim Mecir and Jeff Nelson to New York for Russ Davis and Sterling Hitchcock

There are a lot of names in this blockbuster deal, but the most identified name is ex-Mariner Tino Martinez. The main reason why this is one of the Worst Trades in Mariners history, is the Mariners knew exactly who they had with Tino before they dealt him to the hated New York Yankees.

Tino grew up in the Mariners organization. He was picked #14 overall by the Mariners in the first round of the 1988 amateur draft. He was developed in the minor league system, and played five seasons as the Mariners 1B taking over for the beloved Alvin Davis.

His break out year was during the famous 1995 season. Tino finished with 31 home runs and drove in 111 RBI. The Mariners didn’t think that was good enough as they shipped him to the Yankees the following year.

Tino ended his 16 year career with 339 home runs, 1271 RBI and a lifetime .271 batting average. He is a four time World Series champion, and has career numbers that will see tons of votes come is Hall of Fame eligibility. The Yankees have also honored Tino with a plaque in the famous Monument Park.

Russ Davis ended up a decent everyday third basemen for the Mariners, but it’s pretty obvious the Mariners did not get rightful value in this horrible trade.