With a void in right field, many consider the Mariners a natural fit to sign free agent outfielder Melky Cabrera. However, it’s far from a sure thing.
Bob Dutton of the Tacoma News Tribune reports that the Mariners “appear unwilling” to offer a contract beyond three years. In addition, they aren’t expected to give Cabrera a higher AAV (average annual value) than they already gave Nelson Cruz ($14 million per season over four years). If that’s the case, their max offer for Cabrera could be $42 million over three years, which likely isn’t good enough. Still, Dutton writes that “many in the industry believe he will sign eventually with the Mariners.”
With previous trade targets like Matt Kemp and Yoenis Cespedes now off the board, some of the alternatives to Cabrera include Dayan Viciedo of the White Sox, Justin Upton of the Braves, Seth Smith of the Padres, and free agent outfielder Alex Rios.