Los Angeles Dodgers Shopping Outfielders Is Good News for the Mariners

Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Andre Ethier

As Dan Hughes speculated Saturday, the Mariners could make a deal for Andre Ethier that included Michael Saunders. Instead of re-wording what Dan eloquently proposed in coordination with Matt Borelli at Lasorda’sLair.com, I’ll give it to you verbatim:

Andre Either could be offered up as a “change of scenery” move, benefiting both players. Ethier had a down year in 2014 (.249/.322/.370) a far cry from his career numbers (.285/.359/.462).

Perhaps Ethier would benefit from regular playing time and regular at-bats in a lineup featuring Kyle Seager, Robinson Cano and whatever RH free agent bat the M’s pick up. Borelli suggest that the trade is viable and that the Dodgers could even eat some of the remaining money on Ethier’s contract.

He is signed through 2017 with a vesting option for 2018. The price? Another four years at $71 million.

Depending on how much money the Dodgers were asked to eat, the price would more than likely need to be more than just Saunders. The M’s would more than likely be asked to throw in a bullpen piece (perhaps Charlie Furbush or Tom Wilhelmsen) as well.

As Matt and Dan both note, this could be a perfect experience swap, where the Dodgers would have a low-cost 4th outfielder while moving a guy who could use some fresh air in the Pacific Northwest. And with Ethier’s outfield versatility– he has played more than 300 games each in right and left field, more than 100 in center field– he could be a great fit for the Mariners outfield.

Moreover, if the M’s go out and get a power right field bat, Ethier could play 3 days there and 2 at DH and the other 2 spelling either Austin Jackson in center field or Dustin Ackley in left field. In short, if the Mariners could get the cost of Either down to $11-14 million a season, he would be a perfect fit in Mariner blue.