Mariners Trade a Day Series- Asdrubal Cabrera

Lately, in our quest to find Mariners trade targets, we have been focused on the utility spot. It is a curious position, and one Jerry Dipoto may not even see the need to address.

After all, the Mariners will already have to juggle the Robinson Cano return and continue to find playing time for Dee Gordon and Cano. Adding another infielder to the mix may just make the situation even messier.

However, can a team ever really have too many good players? What if the Mariners didn’t add just another utility guy? What if they instead added a full-time player who happens to play multiple positions?

As you probably pieced together from the title, today we are discussing former Mariners and current Mets player, Asdrubal Cabrera.

Cabrera is a 32-year-old infielder who is set to become a free agent after the 2018 season. A switch-hitter capable of playing every infield spot, Cabrera gives a competitor ultimate flexibility.

However, unlike other utility candidate’s, Cabrera is a full-time player more than capable of carrying a full season worth of at-bats at multiple positions. Boasting a 118 wRC+ over the past 3 seasons, Cabrera currently has a .283/.323/.498 slash.

In addition to a solid bat, Cabrera has logged at least 350 innings at 2B, 3B, and SS since 2017. While primarily a second baseman this year, it might be his worse position. Overall, Cabrera should be looked at as an average at best defender at all 3 spots.

While the Mariners have two 2B  to find at-bats for, they have no adequate replacement should Kyle Seager or Jean Segura. Cabrera could be that man.

But what will it cost? The Mets are in free fall and could be looking to sell hard in a matter of weeks. Since Cabrera has just a few months of club control, the cost shouldn’t be astronomical. Cabrera is also battling a hamstring injury. This could further dampen his value.

While these factors could lower Cabrera’s price, the Mariners may have to outbid teams with eyes on Cabrera as an everyday player. As we have mentioned, the Mariners can hardly afford auctions with their farm system. Cabrera’s contract isn’t ridiculous, so there isn’t much to leverage to gain there. Here is our proposal:

The Seattle Mariners trade Chuck Taylor to the New York Mets for Asdrubal Cabrera.

Again, the Mariners may not view a utility man as a priority. Perhaps they shouldn’t. But the team is one injury to an infielder away from being in big trouble. Cabrera provides an above-average bat, and the versatility to find a few days off a week for Dee Gordon, Kyle Seager, and Jean Segura.

Next: Mariners Trade a Day: Danny Duffy

Dipoto shouldn’t feel like Cabrera is a must get, but should also be willing to spend a decent prospect to improve his bench, and possibly his starting lineup.