Former Mariner who had career year in Seattle lands back with division rival Astros

Another former Mariner is on the move ... and another former Mariner is staying in the AL West, joining a rival. Fans will be sure to keep tabs as the season goes on, especially since there's nothing to distract them from after a boring offseason.

Ben Gamel, who previously played for the Seattle Mariners between 2016-2018, is returning to the AL West, but with a different team. As per Chandler Rome of The Athletic (subscription required), the outfielder has agreed terms with the hated Houston Astros.

The deal is worth up to $1.2 million, but only the first $200,000 is guaranteed by way of a signing bonus. The other $1 million will similarly become guaranteed if Gamel makes the Opening Day roster out of spring training.

This is certainly a feasible proposition for the 32-year-old, who the Astros claimed off waivers from the New York Mets in August of last year. He went on to produce a strong .259/.377/.362 slash line and .739 OPS in 20 games, as he provided a useful left-handed bat to the lineup.

Former Mariner Ben Gamel's 2024 season came to a painful conclusion

Unfortunately for Gamel, his season ended prematurely on Sept. 14, during a game against the Angels. He crashed into the outfield wall while sliding to make a catch and fractured his left fibula.

Prior to joining the Astros, the 2010 10th-round draft pick had done little for the Mets in 2024. He actually spent the majority of the season in Triple-A Syracuse, where he had a .314/.423/.539 slash line and .962 OPS in 45 games.

Even though Gamel signing with the Astros isn't exactly a blow to the Mariners' chances of qualifying for the playoffs, he was known in Seattle for always playing hard. In fact, some of his most productive play in the Majors came during his three years in the Pacific Northwest.

Ben Gamel was at his most productive with the Mariners

Consider that the Neptune Beach, Florida native has made appearances for eight teams during his nine years in the Majors. In that time, he has played his most games (262), drove in his most runs (83), and produced his best batting average (.270) and slugging percentage (.395), while with the Mariners.

Furthermore, the best year of Gamel's Major League career also came with the Mariners back in 2017. During that campaign he had single-season bests with a 1.0 WAR, 140 hits, 11 home runs, 59 RBI, 68 runs scored, a .275 batting average and .413 slugging percentage.

As per Rome, the thinking is that Gamel has an excellent chance to make the Astros as their fourth outfielder or possibly as part of a platoon in left field. We'll assume baseball fans in Seattle will wish him all the best, apart from if and when he plays against the Mariners.

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