Mariners Trade Rumors: Seattle Looking at Casey McGehee

Yet another name has officially been connected with the Mariners, and this time it is Marlins’ 1B/3B Casey McGehee, according to a report from Jon Heyman at CBS.

The report says many teams have called about McGehee, with the Mariners being the only team specified in the article. It makes sense, with the M’s looking for right-handed bats, but these reports should always be taken with a grain of salt. There is a chance Heyman doesn’t really know whether the Mariners are in, or if he is just throwing around the popular name, or if there is any interest beyond the obligatory call.

McGehee has had a comeback campaign this year for Miami, with a .322/.389/.399 and 123 wRC+, after going to Japan last year, and posting wRC+ of 76 and 68 in 2012 and 2011. But with that comes an inflated .370 BABIP that seems destined to come down in the second half, and with it the average and on base ability.

He isn’t the ideal DH with his .077 ISO (isolated power) and sub-.400 slugging. But if he is able to maintain the BABIP to some degree, and continue to walk, he could still be a league average (100 wRC+) or better guy, and an upgrade over Corey Hart, Justin Smoak, and/or Logan Morrison.

More from Mariners Rumors

• How the Mariners could swing a trade for Fernando Tatis Jr
• What it would take for the Mariners to trade for Randy Arozarena
• Mariners News: Everything from Day One of the Winter Meetings
• Is Xander Bogaerts Still An Option For The Seattle Mariners?
• How the Mariners could complete a 3 team trade for Bryan Reynolds

I certainly wouldn’t give up anything of value for him however. He is more of a complementary piece that you pick up when you have a black hole and want an average-ish guy instead, not someone who will aid them much down the stretch. But if you can get him for scrap prospects, make him your DH and hit him 6th or 7th, you pull the trigger. It beats having DH Willie Bloomquist or Stefen Romero.

He could also be used in the outfield if the Mariners think he is capable.

Unfortunately, it sounds like the Marlins would like to keep him around for next year. They feel they are close to contention, and like what he has brought to the clubhouse, and the field.