Seattle Mariners Free Agency Profile: Adam Jones

Let’s be honest: aside from Mitch Haniger in right, the Mariners outfield situation is a mess. With huge questions regarding Denard Span’s club option and how Ben Gamel will produce next season, there is no firm plan on how Seattle will form their outfield.

When Dee Gordon was forced to move back to his natural position at second base last season following Robinson Cano’s suspension, the Mariner outfielders shuffled on a consistent basis. Gamel and Span shared left field duties, Heredia attempted to hold down center field, though Haniger saw time outside of his typical position in right. The acquisition of Cameron Maybin threw another player into the mix, and Seattle never found or utilized three everyday players.

The Mariners have to prioritize signing an everyday center fielder this offseason. Haniger will remain in right field and Gamel would find time in left with the potential departure of Denard Span. Who would take over in center? Enter Adam Jones.

Yes, that Adam Jones. The former Mariner was shipped to Baltimore in 2008 with four others for Erik Bedard in one of the worst trades in franchise history. Now an unrestricted free agent in 2019, Seattle may attempt to bring him back to the team that drafted him.

The 33-year-old veteran can bring his consistency to Seattle. Jones slashed .281/.313/.419 in 2018, keeping close pace with his career line of .278/.318/.456. Since his trade in 2008, Jones has yet to bat below .265 and has posted a WAR of 1.1 or better in each of the last ten seasons, showcased by a 4.9 WAR in 2014.

While Jones’ bat would provide extreme value in the lineup, his defense has been less than superb. The best defensive season of his career occurred in his first season with the Orioles when he posted a 1.0 DWAR, but Jones has lagged in recent seasons. In fact, his -0.6 DWAR in 2017 was well outperformed by Seattle’s Guillermo Heredia, who posted a 1.1 DWAR and looks to keep his position as the Mariners center fielder.

Though a better defender, Heredia is not a better player than Adam Jones. Heredia’s bat is mediocre and cannot be trusted in the lineup on a daily basis. Jones’ ability to hit makes him much more valuable to the club than any current Mariner vying for the center field position.

The looming question for Adam Jones is whether the Mariners can afford him. After making $17.3 million in his last season in Baltimore, he may look to make similar money with another club. His return to the Orioles seems unlikely after an embarrassing 47-win season.

If Seattle decides to pick up Denard Span’s $12 million option, the Mariners budget will be smaller than it already is. If they let Span walk, Seattle could attempt to sign Adam Jones for a similar price. Gamel could become an every-day left fielder, and Jones completes the puzzle.

The Mariners would most likely sign Jones to a one-year deal in the ballpark of $10 million. Though Jones could find more money with another club, he may choose to play in Seattle for the chance to compete for the postseason. If Jerry Dipoto prioritizes an everyday lineup with another reliable bat, Adam Jones could come home after a trade once shipped him away.